Two-thirds of workers ready to switch jobs to more attractive roles

Two-thirds (67%) of the working population is likely to move on if they were offered a better job, according to a new survey from recruiting expert Hays. This translates to around 19m people* who are ready to leave their current employer, despite the uncertain economic situation and fears about unemployment.

However, a third (33%) of workers who aren’t currently looking for a job aren’t doing so as they believe staying put offers more security in a turbulent job market than a new role. Just under one in five (18%) believe there are no jobs that require their skills and 18% think there is a lack of jobs in their industry, and 21% believe they would be unable to find a better-paid position. More than four in ten (42%) of people who aren’t currently looking for a job are staying because they actually like their current job. Workplace relations are clearly also under pressure, with a meagre 11% of workers not looking for a job saying they would miss their colleagues too much to leave.

Charles Logan, Director at Hays, commented: “These results indicate just how much the British workforce has suffered in recent years. Many workers are disillusioned, over-worked and don’t always appreciate that there are opportunities out there for talented people. Employers need to take urgent steps to re-engage and motivate staff, or they risk losing skilled and experienced workers. Many sectors are still looking for talented staff and there is good demand for people. The onus is on job seekers to make sure they have the skills that are sought after by employers and can demonstrate that they are a solid investment.”

The survey finds that people aged 35-44 are the most likely to switch jobs (64%) if they were offered a more attractive role, with older people aged 45-54 least likely to move jobs (31%). Results also showed that people in London (49%) are the most keen to move on to another role, while those in the East and West Midlands (35% and 39%) and North East (28%) reported the lowest numbers of people likely to switch jobs.

“Confidence is such an important factor – not only does it help candidates believe that they are capable of getting another role, but it will help them to demonstrate to a potential employer that they are able to add value. It isn’t surprising that older candidates are less reluctant to look for a new job but no matter what their age or where they live people should find out what the actual situation is so they can make an informed decision about whether or not it is a good time to move” added Logan.