Seven in 10 IT industry workers expect a pay rise within 12 months and nine out of 10 will voluntarily change jobs in the next three years.

The majority (69 per cent) of respondents said they thought their company's market position was secure.

Just over half 52 per cent said they did not necessarily respect technology professionals with a relevant degree qualification.

The industry must not be disheartened by bad publicity, said Robert Peasnell, managing director of recruitment firm Barkers.

“It is easy to be swayed by the plethora of bad news stories, but it is important for the IT industry to put these into perspective. The benefits of technology cannot be underestimated," he said.

Three quarters of IT industry workers would recommend a career in the sector to their children the survey reported.

Online recruitment group The IT Job Board questioned 950 consultants, product managers and analyst staff in UK IT companies.