Peter Reilly, director of HR research and consultancy at the IES, explained there are two possible reasons for individuals to feel this way.
In his view, when people get to a certain age they may be ready for a new challenge and a redundancy package would suit them.
The second reason could be that they had always wanted to do something else, such as start up their own business.
"If we're being optimistic, we might get a growth in sole traders or self-employed-type businesses, but then it's going to be tough for them," said Mr Reilly.
Recent research by Badenoch & Clark showed that 56 per cent of public sector workers who are open to finding work in the private sector believe they do not have the necessary skills to do so.
Posted by Colette Paxton
