IT work in the north/northwest of England

Just a small warning, Kaz, your husband can't work immediatly upon arrival in the UK. He'll need a visa (I am assuming you'll get a spousal visa) before he can start to look for work.

I checked with the IND about spouse visas, and here's their reply, as per promise:

From: IND Public Enquiries <INDpublicenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>
To: blahblahblah
Date: Apr 11, 2005 12:19 PM
Subject: RE: Spouse of UK citizen

Dear Madam,

Thank you for your enquiry of 06/04/05,

I will advise your husband to contact the British Embassy in the United States of
America to obtain a spouse visa.

The spouse visa is for a probationary period of  2 years during which time your husband will be able to work without restriction.

One month before this visa expires, your husband will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom.  For this, the application form SET(M) is required.

SET(M) application forms are available from the IND Website www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk or by calling the Application Forms Unit on 0870 241 0645.

All details and instructions are included with the forms.

Yours Sincerely,
blahblahblah

Yep that's right.  He needs a spousal visa to work.  Just what Ashley said.