Times are strange in the job market at the minute; Reed’s annual survey of the UK job scene reveals the usual unsurprising statistics such as the seemingly eternal pay gap between male and female workers, but also some more unique ones that are a direct result of the macro-economic climate and the global downturn.
Most surprising of all is that as many as 50% of the current workforce are not entirely satisfied and would be happy to look at alternative employment. This is almost certainly because of the increased sense of instability in the job market. The number of employees similarly dissatisfied is even higher within the finance industry where things have been particularly rough. This does, however, represent a great opportunity for employers to poach some top talent from competitors.
A staggering quarter of those surveyed would be persuaded to change roles at the promise of a bonus, almost three times as many as those who would want a stake in their employer’s success. This very mercenary approach to employment demonstrates yet again employees’ low levels of confidence in future prospects but a confident stance on their own skills and their value in the workplace.
Amidst all this, there is at least something to be positive about; over a fifth of the current workforce is engaged in some form of study, bettering themselves for future employers and improving the skill set of the national workforce.
So whilst the gloom of the depression isn’t quite over yet, there are certainly signs of light at the end of the tunnel in the job market, and as companies expand in order to foster business overseas, language speakers are yet again poised to be in an extremely enviable position.
ABL Recruitment team
