Two thirds of working population looking for better jobs

News Article - 21 October 2011
Category: Business

As many as two-thirds of the UK's working population admit that if they are likely to move on if offered a better job, according to a recent survey from recruiter Hays.

This figure equates to around 19 million Britons who would be happy to leave their current employer, despite uncertainty surrounding the national and global economic climate and rising unemployment.

A third (33 per cent) of workers have made the decision not to look for another position, as staying put offers more security than the job market at present.

Charles Logan, director at Hays, said: "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 revealed workers in the capital (49 per cent) are the most keen to change jobs, while workers in the East and West Midlands (35 per cent and 39 per cent) and North East (28 per cent) reported the lowest numbers of people searching for better jobs.

With so many employees looking to better their careers despite the uncertain economic climate, businesses must ensure they have the necessary HR and recruitment framework in place in order to source the best applicants for new job openings.

Sophisticated HR software can support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through every aspect of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to staff development. A dedicated recruitment module can help firms plan, manage and execute recruitment drives saving them time, money and valuable resource.

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