Women working in the technology sector cite time pressures and career breaks as significant contributors to them leaving the IT industry, according to new research.

The Raising your profile for a successful career in IT survey, published today by Microsoft, says one of the major concerns of women in IT is the prospect of returning to work after maternity leave.

Of the women surveyed, 88 per cent think that more should be done to encourage women to return to their careers after they have had a baby.

Those questioned expressed concerns about keeping skills up-to-date after a career break and believe they would be missing out on the more interesting, important and technical projects at work upon their return.

The study found women think colleagues question their commitment and find securing part-time and flexible jobs difficult.

Seventy five per cent of the women surveyed said IT employers operate a ‘long hours’ culture.