The company said it believes that permanent workers can get more value by declaring their independence, "cherry pick the best tech roles and earn significantly more. All while building fantastic experience on the way," said the company.

"There is a seismic shift towards contracting in the tech sector which can't be ignored" said Kieran Logan, founder, RoleConnect.com.  "Our research has found that in Ireland the percentage of contract jobs has increased from 8% in 2009 to 29% in 2011. Our most recent skills index reveals that Java, .Net, PHP, Symphony and Tech Support in strong demand right now."

Logan said that the phenomenon is not just in Ireland, citing a Forbes article on the subject that said over half the US workforce will be free agents by 2020. He goes on to cite the UK's Office of National Statistics which said the number of people becoming self-employed as contractors and freelancers there rose by almost 90,000 in the first quarter of 2012. The highest figure since records began 20 years ago.

"Permanent IT workers need to realise that they can't guarantee their futures. Contractors, on the other hand enjoy control over their careers," said Logan. "They can choose what technologies they want to work with, what companies they want to work for and the locations where they want to be. Working independently on a contract basis is the future of IT work. All IT professionals in permanent roles need to realise this now."

 TechCentral Reporters