IT professionals are expecting a 4.5 per cent pay rise this year, compared with only 3.3 per cent in 2007, according to a survey by recruitment group Computer People.

And the average bonus in the sector last year was £5,015 and the average permanent salary is £35,160.

But the outlook isn't so bright for employers who are losing money due to lack of loyalty from staff.

The average time spent in each role is four years and Computing recently reported that 87 per cent of IT professionals are are keeping an eye on the market.

On average takes 8.7 weeks to recruit an IT worker into an existing position and 8.1 weeks to recruit for a new job and companies are losing six weeks per employee from workers to new starters.