Permanent IT salaries in the UK have risen by 5.5 per cent in the past 12 months, according to research published by UK-based IT recruitment agency CV Screen.

The study of 30,000 advertised positions in the UK during the first quarter concluded that the average advertised salary for an IT professional in the UK is now £32,965.

"The IT sector is experiencing a period of continual growth, and we have been experiencing especially high demand for IT professionals over the past year," said CV Screen managing director Matthew Iveson.

"During the same period there has also been a shortage of candidates seeking new roles and the net result is upward pressure on salaries."

The survey, which excludes salaries within the banking sector, found considerable demand for candidates with Java, .Net, SAP and network support experience. This has caused large increases in the salaries offered for candidates with these skills.

The increased uptake of online recruitment methods is also contributing to the heightened activity in the industry.

"The continued increase in candidates applying for vacancies through online job boards and uploading their CV to databases is quickening the recruitment process," said Iveson.

"Employers that are able to react quickly to applications are benefiting most from the current candidate driven marketplace."