Revealed: The 10 least and most trusted professions in the UK

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There’s plenty of ways to make a living, but not all of them will make you popular. In fact, a survey taken by CV-Library reveals the professions which Brits rate as the least trustworthy, with politicians (78.1 per cent), journalists (37.7 per cent) and car salesmen (27.4 per cent) making the top three.

The survey of 1,200 UK workers reveals that these professionals are considered untrustworthy due to their lack of morals (66.4 per cent), greed for money (62.1 per cent), unreliability (56.5 per cent) and irritating nature (26.6 per cent). The list is as follows:

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  • Politicians (78.1per cent)
  • Journalists (37.7per cent)
  • Car salesmen (27.4per cent)
  • Telesales (23.6per cent)
  • Bankers (22.8per cent)
  • Paparazzi (21.6per cent)
  • Estate agents (14.6per cent)
  • Recruiters (13.6per cent)
  • Lawyer (8.7per cent)
  • Bailiffs (6.7per cent)

 

Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments on the findings,

What with the Brexit debacle still looming over the country, it’s little wonder that Brits aren’t inclined to trust politicians right now. Still, it’s astonishing to see that such a large quantity of us feel so negatively about the country’s leaders, as we’re supposed to trust them to represent us.

It also appears to be a common theme that sales-driven occupations, such as car sales, telesales, estate agents and recruiters are largely disliked. Unfortunately, it’s just the nature of the trade. Being proactive in making sales can be perceived as being pushy, or irritating. However, without these professions, many businesses wouldn’t be able to flourish.

The survey from CV-Library also sought to find out the most trusted professions in the UK. It appears jobs that contribute to the public good, such as health or education-related professions, are the most trustworthy.

Largely, trust is associated with the professionals that have our best interests at heart (73.4 per cent), are in their job for a good cause (71 per cent), are reliable (64.5 per cent) and friendly (16.2 per cent). The list is as follows:

  • Doctor (61.3 per cent)
  • Nurse (40 per cent)
  • Teacher (36.9 per cent)
  • Paramedic (36.5 per cent)
  • Police (23.2per cent)
  • Armed forces (20.8 per cent)
  • Vet (16 per cent)
  • Scientist (14.3 per cent)
  • Judge (13.2per cent)
  • Hairdresser (8.4per cent)

 

Biggins concludes,

It’s fantastic to see that healthcare professionals have been recognised for the excellent job that they do day in and day out. We’re extremely lucky in the UK to have such a reliable healthcare system where experts aren’t motivated by making a profit, as in some other countries. It just goes to show what an excellent job the NHS is doing.

Likewise, we put a large amount of trust in teachers to educate ourselves and our children. It’s just a shame that these services which contribute so much to the public good are having to fight against cuts to their funding. Will we be able to trust these professionals if they’re not fully equipped to do their jobs properly?

Interested in recruiting and retaining trustworthy professionals? We recommend the Recruitment and Retention Conference 2019.

Aphrodite is a creative writer and editor specialising in publishing and communications. She is passionate about undertaking projects in diverse sectors. She has written and edited copy for media as varied as social enterprise, art, fashion and education. She is at her most happy owning a project from its very conception, focusing on the client and project research in the first instance, and working closely with CEOs and Directors throughout the consultation process. Much of her work has focused on rebranding; messaging and tone of voice is one of her expertise, as is a distinctively unique writing style in my most of her creative projects. Her work is always driven by the versatility of language to galvanise image and to change perception, as it is by inspiring and being inspired by the wondrous diversity of people with whom paths she crosses cross!

Aphrodite has had a variety of high profile industry clients as a freelancer, and previously worked for a number of years as an Editor and Journalist for Prospects.ac.uk.

Aphrodite is also a professional painter.

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