IT contractors negotiating their first contract should not give away to much information to the client, it is claimed.

According to Contractor Calculator, negotiating the contract is like a game of poker, and too many new IT contractors approach the meeting like a permanent employee and let too much slip.

IT contractors are advised not to agree to work solely through one agency, as this will limit bargaining power.

The website also advises contractors to do their homework and work out what rate they should expect to get, and to avoid telling the agency of previous wages.

"When contracting, you are under no obligation to tell an agency what you used to earn, just what contract rate you expect now," said Contractor Calculator's chief executive officer Dave Chaplin.

Recruitment agency Hays has found that an increasing number of professional workers are turning to temporary job vacancies, attracted by the benefits of flexible working.