WORKERS IN THE SOUTH EAST MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT JOBS MARKET

• Employee survey reveals a 11% year-on-year increase in workers in the South East looking to jump ship, with 58% considering changing jobs in 2017

The findings are outlined in Investors in People’s annual ‘Job Exodus Trends’ report, revealing that a fifth of South East employees are on the hunt for a new role in 2017. Amid recent concerns about wages stagnating in the UK, half said a small pay rise was the one thing their employer could do to increase happiness in their job. Not feeling valued is also a major gripe for workers in the South East, with 41% saying this is making them unhappy in their job. 

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, comments: “We were expecting to see British workers planning to stay put in the face of economic uncertainty. But we’ve seen exactly the opposite: a significant rise in people seeking to move employers in 2017 and a jump in jobs confidence. Workers are telling us they want to move for better pay, better management and flexible working. This sends a clear message to British business to invest in your people or risk losing them.” 

When asked what the most important qualities are in a new employer, job seekers in the South East said the work itself being enjoyable (65%), competitive pay (63%), and benefits (44%). However, 22% said they would rather have a more flexible approach to working hours than a 3% pay rise.  

Being part of an organisation with a good employer reputation is particularly important to younger workers in the South East (16-29) with 45% saying it’s one of the most important qualities they look for in a new employer.  

Paul continues: “With worker wages stagnating and a strong jobs market there is a clear imperative to address workers’ pay and tackle poor management. Not feeling valued (41%) and poor management (35%) are critical factors for workers in the South East being unhappy in their jobs. Employers need to really invest in their people in 2017 to attract and retain the best talent.”