I agree that tasks such as software testing can be done elsewhere (Lloyds TSB cuts are a sign of testing times, markkobayashihillary.computing.co.uk).

But the combined effects of outsourcing, offshoring, onshoring, right-sourcing and the countless other sourcing variations make the IT industry an awful place to work. 

The bottom line is: if the company doesn't need you it throws you on the scrapheap. We don't even have the same employment protection as that of our European counterparts.

Rob, submitted on the web