Recruitment agencies have a key role in helping young IT contractors to get into work, an expert has claimed.

Sarah Gordon, chair of the diversity and inclusion forum of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, claimed that it is important for those still looking for work to remain confident.

She said that while conditions are tough the indicators show that the situation is improving and more positions are becoming available.

IT contractors who are younger face additional barriers to employment, she claimed.

Ms Gordon said that some employers still do not assess the broad potential of applicants but asserted that there are still ways to address this.

She stated: "Whilst conditions are tough, they are beginning to improve and placements are beginning to increase."

In contrast, Graduate Prospects chief executive Mike Hill has claimed that graduates who have entered IT contracting face a positive jobs market, which contains definite signs that the sector is improving.