Only 29 per cent of IT workers will remain with their employers if they do not get the pay rise they are expecting, the second lowest figure among all UK professions.

And 30 per cent are unhappy at work, according to research by recruitment group Badenoch & Clark.

The survey also revealed worrying perceptions of leadership skills. Only 29 per cent of IT managers were seen to be setting an example in difficult economic conditions by their employees.

Thirteen per cent are said to be spending more time with their people and two per cent seem to be offering more perks to staff.

The sector needs to improve its people management credentials, said Matt Gascoigne, IT recruitment director at Badenoch & Clark.

“These figures should act as a wake up call to anyone employing IT professionals," he said.

"People management has not been an area of focus for many in the industry, but the possibility of unhappy employees willing to leave their employer at the drop of a hat should help to highlight the issue."

“If employers don’t take things like employee engagement and management training seriously, anyone that relies on IT professionals could find themselves with a huge talent shortage in years to come.”