Despite tentative signs of economic and employment recovery, almost a third (32%) of employees feel more negative about their career and job prospects for 2010 than they did for this year, according to research by Croner, the UK’s leading provider of workplace information and consultancy service, part of Wolters Kluwer. Over a third (36%) of those surveyed in full or part time work feel less secure in their job than a year ago compared to only just over one in 10 (13%) feeling more secure.
Workers have already had a tough couple of years, with the research, conducted by YouGov for Croner, showing that nearly half (46%) of respondents in work have not received a salary increase for over a year - and 15% of respondents for over two years. This looks set to continue as around two fifths (41%) of employees surveyed are not expecting a salary increase next year.
“With new fears for the global economy as a result of Dubai’s recent debt crisis, our results may be an indication of what’s in store for 2010,” says Gillian Dowling, employment technical consultant at Croner. “Employees have been through a lot this past year, many experiencing large scale redundancies for the first time, and a large number accepting variations to contractual terms, including reduced working hours and pay freezes – so it’s not surprising many people are still feeling unsettled. Employers need to look for cost effective ways to keep staff motivated and engaged.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom, as there are some positive signs of recovery in the survey’s findings: over a quarter of respondents (28%) are experiencing green shoots in their company. This supports other positive signs, such as the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s statistics that show a growth in the number of vacancies and placements. Figures from Croner’s employment telephone advisory service show a reduction in redundancy related calls since the summer.
Young people are more optimistic about the future, with over a third (38%) of 18 to 24 year old workers feeling more positive about their career in 2010 compared to this year, compared to 15% of over 55s that work. The Croner survey reveals that those in the 18 to 24 bracket are also more likely to have had a pay rise in the last 6 months and are more likely to expect one in 2010 than more mature workers.
Interestingly, men are not as positive as women, with 40% feeling less secure in their job, compared to 32% of women. They are also more pessimistic about their career prospects next year with 34% of men feeling more negative than they did in 2009, compared to only 30% of women.
Londoners that work are the most optimistic with a third feeling positive about their job prospects in 2010, whereas a startling 39% of those in the East of England are feeling negative about their career next year. People living Wales are the least secure in their job with 38% feeling less secure than a year ago.
Gillian Dowling says: “Although employment figures are showing promising signs of improvement and redundancies are beginning to ease, we still have a long way to go. Motivating employees who remain in the business after large scale redundancies will be an issue for 2010.”
