Over the past three months, we've noticed a desire for job security among candidates with an influx of IT staff looking to work in SMEs. Over 70% of IT placements made by Computer People in the past three months have gone to Britain's small businesses. As the economic downturn deepens, it seems that  an increasing number of  IT staff are turning to SMEs to provide them with a different career path and new opportunities.

Though the IT industry isn't immune from the effects of the economic downturn, one thing we are seeing is that it is unlocking talent that would previously have been unavailable for firms at a certain level to reach. Much as we saw happening in the City at the tail end of last year, high-flying professionals are now reconsidering careers with bigger firms, and are instead considering the perceived security of SMEs.

With 13.5 million people working within small businesses in the UK, the phrase' good things come in small packages' is becoming more and more applicable. IT professionals in particular are keen for a greater level of responsibility, ownership and variety in their day-to-day job, something they believe the SME market can offer them.

Technology based SMEs have proven to be extremely attractive to candidates keen to take their career to the next level. SMEs offer professionals a chance to make their voice heard and see the benefits to the business first hand.