IT recruitment agencies in the UK reported an increase in job applications in the first quarter of 2008, compared to the end of last year.

Applications for IT jobs rose 17 per cent in the first two months of 2008, according to figures from IT recruitment agency CV Screen.

The figures, which measure job applications made in the last three months of 2007 against the first two months of 2008, suggest that the 'new year, new job' adage is very much alive.

Matthew Iveson, director of CV Screen, said that confidence is still high in the IT industry despite fears of a slowdown.

"We have noticed an increase in the number of applicants and in the number of new IT vacancies being registered," he said.

"Despite fears surrounding the credit crunch, CV Screen registered a record number of IT jobs in February which is a sign that the market is still buoyant in the early months of 2008."

Research published earlier this month by IT Monitor found that the IT marketplace in the US is demonstrating a cautious but hopeful belief in the prospects for 2008.

The survey suggested that IT decision makers are 'somewhat' more encouraged about the direction and momentum of the IT marketplace.