A study of 5,842 UK workers by Totaljobs - conducted between 10 and 14 December 2020 - showed that 89 per cent are looking to change jobs in 2021, with 77 per cent having already started looking and a further 11 per cent saying they will start looking this month. Of these, 52 per cent are looking to relocate within the UK.  However, 24 per cent are also looking within the EU and 14 per cent are looking outside the EU altogether.

Of those polled, 66 per cent said they were worried about their career security and 26 per cent believed it was likely they would become unemployed this year.  As a result, 18 per cent are actively looking for work in a more secure industry, with 45 per cent saying that they did not think they would get a new role in the sector in which they are currently employed. Most people - 57 per cent - think it will take them up to three months to find a new job.

The survey also showed that 30 per cent of workers were able to obtain a new skill/qualification - but only 1 in 10 received training from their employer in 2020.

The workers are citing concerns over job security and career progression as reasons for changing their employment, but in addition, experts are warning that engagement is essential to staff feeling valued.

Daniella McGuigan - Partner at Ogletree Deakins International - commented that it was more crucial than ever for employers to engage with workers, at the same time acknowledging that remote working made this difficult:

She said:

“It’s very difficult for businesses to replicate training and development plans on a remote basis too – this is particularly so for junior employees or those who were new to the workplace when the pandemic began.  Career development is a real and genuine concern going forward and is likely to be felt far beyond the lifting of restrictions.  Perhaps now, more than ever, employee engagement is essential to navigate a way through the current situation and ensure that, wherever possible, people come out the other side of this feeling valued and appreciated.”

Claire McCartney - Senior Resourcing and Inclusion Adviser at the CIPD stated:

“Organisations must have a long-term and strategic approach and ensure the needs of the business and external landscape are considered. This will also help to ensure training is not seen as an easy target for cost-cutting measures.”

She added:

“HR teams have an important role to play in highlighting the importance of training in helping people to adapt, learn and improve during times of economic uncertainty."

Jon Wilson - CEO of Totaljobs - stated:

“2020 was a tough year for the jobs market, and while we’ve seen increased activity on Totaljobs from businesses actively recruiting, for those looking for work, the challenge of having to stand out from the crowd remains. That’s why it’s such a positive sign that we’re seeing so many people picking up extra skills and qualifications during lockdown. This shows a willingness to keep their progression on track or learn new, transferable skills required to be employable in a different industry. Over the past year, we’ve seen workers setting new standards for their employment conditions. The rise of remote working has seen candidates move around the country or even relocate outside the UK to find work. The coming months will reveal how much more of an impact the pandemic and Brexit will have on people’s attitudes towards their jobs, their location and their employment terms. While the full impact of the pandemic will remain unclear for the time being, what we do know is that workers have experienced a huge strain on their working lives during 2020. It is perhaps no surprise that they will be seeking a fresh start and new opportunities in the months to come.”