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| CURRENT SECTION :: Market Reports | UK's most visited IT Contractor Site - 250k unique visitors March 2008 |
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As promised, this week we are looking at the variation in demand and rate for skills in different languages (VB, C++, Java, PL/1, COBOL, .net & C#) over the UK. So here, in almost alphabetical order, is the news: In London, the number of contract requirements posted is rising, although there was an understandable blip in December. In January there were at least 450 contracts advertised both for C++, and for Java/J2EE. Visual Basic had around 300 postings, and .NET and C# have hovered around the 100-120 mark. Even COBOL has had double-figure postings this month. In East Anglia, it was very quiet last year. However things have picked up recently, with VB being the current leader. Java, after an unexplainable peak in December now stands head to head with .net; and C++ and C# are not far behind. The North East also seems to be recovering a little bit after a poor last quarter, although the number of contracts posted are still in single figures. C++ seems to be less popular than Java, VB or even, surprisingly, COBOL in terms of contract availability. In the North West, there’s been steady growth, with both Java and .net proving equally popular. Last month there were over 30 contracts posted in both areas. What’s more, VB has caught up after a slack period and is now getting the same number of postings. Interestingly, C# is getting more postings than C++. The contracts in Northern Ireland don’t seem to be appearing in UK-based jobsites at all, so it’s difficult to ascertain what the market is like there. Scotland, on the other hand, has been doing reasonably well, with Java once again proving to be the most popular. Strangely, after a peak in November, and a close following of Java’s curve, .net has now dropped down to the level of VB and C++ while Java still rides the waves! The South East really is picking up, with Java requirements increasing by over six times last month! Of the other skills, VB and C++ have improved, although nowhere near as well as Java. They both had about 100 postings last month. The South West is showing improvements too. Postings for Java contractors have gone up to over 50 this month. C++ requirements are also improving. Wales, like Northern Ireland, has not had much of a contract market over the last few months, and it doesn’t currently look like it’s picking up, except in – yes, you guessed it – Java! While all the other skills seem to have almost no contract offers at all, Java postings have at least leapt into double figures this month. Last year, the West Midlands really liked VB with up to 25 postings in November, down to 10 in January. Now it’s been taken over by – guess who? – yes, Java. C++ has slowly been improving, but the real surprise winner here is .net, which proven itself to be highly popular. Finally, for the UK, Yorkshire has not had an exciting market with most of the skills getting very few postings. VB has had a little surge recently, but once again, it’s Java that’s been the most popular, peaking at 32 postings in December and still offering 25 posts in January. So, the summary for the UK is – the market is climbing for all skills, but Java/J2EE is well out in front for demand. Second is C++; third is VB, then .net and C#. But – C++ developers – don’t be despondent! If you read last week’s report you’ll know that your contract rates are still higher, on average, than Java developers! So, that’s this week’s review of the market. Who knows what I’ll analyse next week? If you have any requests, email me. And if you’re looking for a contract, go to www.webalertz.com and download the JobAlertz application. It makes searching so much easier. Report by Alan Potter at Web Alertz (alan.potter@webalertz.com) Web Alertz Instant notification of contracts to help you find a job within the IT industry. Developed for IT professionals by IT professionals. Feb 5, 2004 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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