Public sector ICT consultancy opportunities have doubled in the past two years, according to a professional services consultancy.

In a report released this week, Procorre said that the public sector now accounts for 11 per cent of all ICT consultancy roles in the UK.

This compares to just 5% in 2012, but is still some way off the peak of 30% level which existed before 2010.

Lisa Mangan, relationship manager at Procorre, said: “The recovery in IT jobs in the public sector demonstrates how critically important ICT is in delivering public services.”

“The digital by default strategy that the Government has set out will require more IT consultants working on government contracts, so it is good news for contractors, particularly those who have the right skills and know how to gain access to the most attractive roles.”

Recruitment of contractors suffered during the government’s austerity programme, and digital projects were cancelled, she said.

She added that she expected more public sector providers to use contractors in future to help deliver projects.

A separate report last month found rising levels of stress among ICT professionals, with many losing sleep over their workload.