Public sector workers ‘willing to accept pay cuts’

A new survey has indicated that a majority of public sector employees would accept reductions in their salaries provided they remained in work, amid concerns over the potential impact of government spending cuts.

Research from Totaljobs.com found 64 per cent of 1,600 individuals polled would be willing to take a pay cut – up from just 20 per cent four months ago – while 23 per cent named job security as their primary concern.

"Public sector workers who have already lost their job, or fear doing so, may take some comfort from recent indicators in the private sector," said Totaljobs website director John Salt. "More positive signs are starting to appear."

The study also found that many public sector job seekers are pondering a move from their current region to areas where more opportunities are available, such as London and south-east England.

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Public sector HR professionals worrying about what the near future may hold for their prospects could benefit from attending the Public Sector HR Forum 2010 at London's Canary Wharf in November.

Posted by Cameron Thomson