The supply of IT workers is outstripping the demand from employers, according to a new report published by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC).

Last month's REC Report on Jobs suggested the IT industry was one of the strongest areas of growth coming out of the recession, but its latest research suggests employers now have more qualified candidates than they need.

There is hope for the future however, as the sector expects to open up a significant number of cavcncies in 2010.

"It is very encouraging to see that companies will still invest in technology to develop their businesses even when there is a tough economic landscape. I look forward to the upturn developing at an even stronger rate in the months ahead," said Jeff Brooks, chair of REC Technology.

IT professionals in the UK numbered over one million at the end of 2009, a drop of four per cent in 12 months, according to the REC's research.