Younger IT professionals are finding it difficult to find jobs because older IT contractors and freelancers may be filling more junior roles, a survey suggests.

The study by recruitment agency IntaPeople found that IT graduate vacancies rose by nearly 80 per cent in the first 11 months of 2010 compared with the previous year.

Despite the greater availability of positions, graduates may be being overlooked in favour of more experienced candidates who are applying for the roles due to a depressed jobs market.

Stephen Riley, director of IntaPeople, said: "Although many employers set out with the intention of taking on fresh talent, they often find it hard to resist these more experienced applicants – especially if they are available at a similar salary level."

Meanwhile, the latest Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor found an increase in activity in the IT contractor job market, with an overall 44 per cent rise in professional opportunities in the country.