The UK workforce is a nation of ‘job flirts,’ motivated and content, but always on the look-out for the next opportunity, according to a survey.
Eight in 10 workers believe they will remain in the same job in a year’s time, but half have signed up with a recruitment agency in the past 12 months incase another job comes up.
The main factors attracting jobseekers were interesting or challenging work (89%), a friendly and pleasant environment (84%) and regular pay rises (84%).
Almost half (47%) believe it is more difficult to get a good job now than it was three years ago, the survey of more than 1,000 UK workers by recruitment company Adecco showed.
Steven Kirkpatrick, managing director of Adecco, said: “We are seeing a high number of UK workers taking an ‘always on the look-out’ approach to job hunting. In an increasingly competitive market, UK employees are aware that while they may feel content and motivated in their current position, it is important to keep new opportunities on the radar.”
Six in 10 job hunters used the internet to search for opportunities.
Kirkpatrick said: “The internet has created a new generation of ‘career traders’. In the past, job hunters would be more reticent at seeking out their perfect job match. However, we are now seeing a more proactive approach, with jobseekers scanning for the best deals.”
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The promiscuous nature of the job market will cause companies serious talent loss, according to Kilpatrick.