Most senior technology executives expect to recruit in the coming year, if they can find the staff

Business confidence among IT executives remains high despite pessimistic economic forecasts following the US sub-prime mortgage crisis, according to new research.

More than half (53 per cent) of the 350 senior executives questioned for the Eurocom Worldwide Annual IT Confidence survey say they are more confident about prospects in the IT sector now than they were 12 months ago. And 55 per cent say that the credit crisis has not affected their outlook.

More than two thirds (68 per cent) say they expect to increase headcount over the coming year, with only six per cent predicting job cuts.

But there is evidence of an ongoing skills shortage.

Software engineers are hardest to find (54 per cent). International and domestic sales personnel also in short supply.