IT staff are "overwhelmingly" happy to recommend their profession to their children, a survey has found.

Three-quarters of nearly 1,000 IT professionals surveyed said that they would 'definitely recommend' a career in the business to their offspring.

Around 70 per cent also felt that their jobs are secure, and that they are expecting a salary increase next year.

Alex Farrell, managing director of online recruitment site The IT Job Board, said: "The over-riding conclusion of the research is that the IT sector is perceived to be a rewarding industry in which to work.

"Despite the current gloomy predictions, the IT sector also appears to be holding up well in the economic climate, backed up the increased number of applications to our site when compared to the same period last year."

The survey also found that 86 per cent of respondents expect to move jobs voluntarily in the next three years.

Robert Peasnell, managing director of recruitment consultants Barkers, said: "It is easy to be swayed by the plethora of bad news stories, but it is important for the IT industry to put these into perspective.

"The benefits of technology cannot be underestimated, and the results of our research suggest that organisations are still investing.

"However, this must be an ongoing activity in order to maximise the potential and enthusiasm offered by today's IT professionals."

The survey also highlighted some interesting differences of opinion between male and female IT staff.

Some 64 per cent of female IT staff would automatically respect someone who had a degree in computer related skills, but barely half of male IT staff feel the same way.