There is no IT skills shortage. It is an excuse used by many corporate executives to mask poor performance (IT skills shortage reaches highest level in 10 years).

Europe has a surplus of highly qualified IT, business and consulting professionals. Just look at the number of independent niche consultancies with very experienced people and excellent credentials.

The UK National Statistics Office appears to be using an outdated methodology. I know a lot of people in the IT industry, and what we are told is not what we are seeing in the marketplace.

The founder mentality is missing from a lot of companies, where managers just want to just do what is on their job description, and not think outside the box as a founder would.

If the HR departments of these companies were to look for ways to engage independent and interim consultants, UK plc would have no reason to gripe about a lack of skills. What a myth.

Anika Baker