Firms may have an increased need for IT contractors as the recession has forced many to consider new ways of operating their IT service.

Ever-more companies are looking to engage with services like cloud computing and outsourcing or offshoring, according to Steve Ranger, editor of silicon.com.

Other cost-cutting measures available include adopting new technologies which improve efficiency.

"IT spending definitely suffered during the recession as companies put big projects on ice and made do with the technology they had," explained Mr Ranger.

However, doing so has allowed companies to take a long-term view on how to approach their IT operations, Mr Ranger added.

According to the technology association Intellect, the UK IT sector has proved itself to be more resilient and innovative in the face of adversity than other areas of the economy.

The sector will need to adapt quickly to changing markets as the economy remains unstable, the association concluded.