The number of IT positions filled in the US rose during October, continuing a general trend of monthly increases that has been seen in spite of the patchy economic recovery.

Latest data from TechServe Alliance shows there were 4,064,500 jobs available in the IT industry in October, a rise of 7,000 from the previous month and up by over 87,000 - or 2.2 per cent - from October last year.

Mark Roberts chief executive of the body - which represents suppliers, clients, service providers and consultants in IT - said the results indicate strong demand for IT workers.

"We remain bullish on the prospect for continued growth in IT employment as we enter 2012," he added, noting that despite a downbeat overall jobs market, candidates with specialized IT skills are relatively hard to come by.

Non-farm unemployment in the US stood at nine per cent last month, largely unchanged from September's figure.

Posted by Fiona Summers