The trend for offshoring lower-level IT jobs is creating skills shortages within the UK, according to research.

The Pay in IT 2008 report by Incomes Data Services (IDS) found a leap of 9.5%-13% in average pay for mid-level jobs over the past year. Salaries for IT user-support technicians increased by 13% to £24,177, while systems engineers' salaries rose by 9.5% to £31,120. IT project leaders' pay has climbed 23% five years to £47,605.

According to editor of the IDS eport Ken Mulkearn, outsourcing has resulted in fewer opportunities for graduates and those starting their IT careers. In turn this has led to skills shortages among more experienced workers.

Ken Mulkearn, editor of the IDS report, said: "The sizeable pay increases we are seeing in mid-level IT support and technical roles are being driven largely by acute skills shortages."

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