Further investment in business technology could boost the UK economy by £35bn, according to the latest research from sector skills council e-Skills UK.

The IT sector is expanding at such a rate that 140,000 new staff will be needed annually for the next five years to fill high-level positions, on top of the 1.5 million people already employed in IT, says the study published this week.

“These professionals will be expected to drive business growth with a blend of technical, managerial and communications skills,” said e-Skills UK head of strategy Margaret Sambell.

But meeting the demand for high-level staff faces difficulties. The outsourcing of low-level jobs and a lack of interest among school leavers in technology-related careers are contributing to a skills gap in the UK industry.

But there are “migration” opportunities for people willing to cross over from other sectors.

“About half of the yearly demand for high-level IT positions will be met by experienced workers transferring from other areas such as education, financial services and manufacturing,” said Sambell.

Overall, more than 77 per cent of the total UK workforce needs technology skills, including four million high-level managers who need IT to make decisions and 21 million people who use IT in their everyday jobs.

Employers need to change the focus of development programmes, said Carrie Hartnell, private sector programme manager at industry group Intellect.

“Most schemes are preparing the new generation for the workplace, but there is an urgent need to concentrate on the professionals who are already working in the industry and capitalise on their skills,” she said.

British Airways is a keen proponent of a flexible approach. Last year the airline launched a programme to provide intensive training in technology support, development and business analysis to graduates of any discipline wanting to work in IT.

“Individuals with the ability to use technology to solve problems in business and public administration are essential for the UK’s economy,” said BA chief information officer and e-Skills UK board member Paul Coby.