I believe the recent regular rate cutting by many of the big banks is a symptom of a wider trend. As more and more 'traditional' IT and BA work is exported to offshore sites and offshore suppliers, and increasing numbers of those offshore staff are hired in UK-based roles, we will continue to see downward pressure on day rates. Any IT contractor not in a specialist role is becoming a commodity rather than a scarce resource as the pool of qualified people expands.
Like it or not this is simply the market at work, and what were specialist IT skills in the UK are now starting to go the way of the ship builders in the 70s. Those who want to maintain their rates need to pick up new specialisms or move into management roles.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
