UK businesses have been encouraged to make use of converged communications technology, which could create job roles for IT contractors.

Hugo Harber, director of convergence and network strategy at IT solutions firm Star, believes that converged communications will allow for better management of resources, allowing companies to embrace flexible working practices, such as those used by IT contractors.

Using this technology will also lead to a reduction in consumption and optimise the company's working practices, while flexible working will allow companies to offer employees more modest salaries, Mr Harber adds.

"The key resource in your business is your people … by providing integrated conferencing and collaboration tools you can reduce the need to travel and increase productivity," he explained.

Mr Harbor's comments come after IT Pro told enterprises that unified communications can help small businesses reduce travel costs through the use of web-based applications like video conferencing, instant messaging and VoIP.