Four in 10 UK Employees Plan to Quit Their Job This Year

New Priorities for UK Employees

The employment market may be shadowed by uncertainty, but this is not stopping employees exploring other opportunities, as one London based recruitment agency suggests.

Research conducted by Tiger Recruitment revealed that 41% of UK employees plan to change their jobs within the year.

This comes from a survey conducted with over 2,000 UK employees as part of a salary and benefits review.

The research suggests that those who felt unsupported during the pandemic are the ones who are most likely to make their move.

With over half of the respondents saying their employer could have done more during the crisis.

So, despite the pandemic making job hunting somewhat more challenging, it is clearly not putting all employees off the search for a better deal.

The survey also revealed that salary is now their biggest priority.

Something which was previously work environment.

Second is job security and third flexible working/work balance which pre-pandemic came fifth.

Now, those offered more flexibility from an employer are more likely to stay put, with 80% of those with no plans to move saying they are happy with the flexible working offered by their employer.

David Morel, CEO of Tiger Recruitment comments: “January is a month of reflection and fresh starts, this year more so than ever.

“As a result of the pandemic, even people who are currently in work are reassessing their careers and looking for new opportunities.

“Employers will have to work hard if they are to hold on to the talent, and need to navigate the difficult months ahead.

“How they respond to the pandemic can make a real difference to employee loyalty.

“Our research shows that people are particularly looking to their employers at this time for clear communications and support with their mental health and wellbeing.

“And if their needs aren’t met, they’re likely to vote with their feet.”