Twenty one per cent of IT professionals would not want their children to enter the industry, according to research.

The study by management consultancy Hudson is another blow to IT employers amid the worsening skills crisis.

Thirty seven per cent of respondents cited better opportunities in other professions as the main reason for not wanting their children working in IT, while 25 per cent said higher financial rewards could be found elsewhere. And a further 23 per cent said their children would enjoy a better work and life balance outside IT.

Female IT workers were slightly less likely to discourage their children from following their example, with only 20 per cent raising concerns.

Uncertain financial conditions are not making recruitment any easier and employers should think about taking action, said Andy Rogerson, chief executive of Hudson UK.

“These findings are very disturbing, especially with the current economic conditions," he said.

"That so many UK professionals would not want to see their children follow in their footsteps, points to a workforce that is both unhappy and lacking confidence. Employers should take note of these findings and seek to tackle the sources of such gloom."