Sydney IT&T Market Update: April 2010

Demand for both permanent and contract ICT staff – which first began strengthening at the end of 2009 – has continued at stronger levels during Q1 of 2010.

Overall the number of roles available has grown by 30 percent for permanent opportunities and 20 percent for contract roles.

Additionally, the average number of hours worked by contractors has risen – albeit slightly – as employers push ahead with transformational projects that will enable them to gain
competitive advantage as market conditions improve.

The upward pressure on salaries and contract rates that is expected to be a major theme of 2010 has already had an impact on contract rates – which have risen by around 3 to 5 percent.

While permanent salaries are yet to record a measurable increase, the strengthening market and growth in the number of jobs available has meant that candidates are in a position to
select from several job offers.

While the core systems upgrade projects in the financial services sector continue to absorb IT skills – there is also broadening demand from across the industry for especially Project
Managers and professionals with Java and .NET skills.