Job switchers cost colleagues 77 million in leaving gifts

Britainís workforce can expect to shell out almost 77millon on colleaguesí leaving presents in 2005 as almost half* of employees admit they are considering a job switch in the New Year.

However despite the nationís good intentions over the festive season, some staff give far more than others, according to a poll by internet bank smile.

More than a third (36 per cent) of people questioned said they would donate 5 or more towards a leaving gift while half (52 per cent) said a quid would be their average contribution. However six per cent admitted to only giving a few coppers while a further six per cent revealed they were too mean to donate any cash towards a present. The average donation from staff members across the UK is 2.70.

Those surveyed by smile said the amount they donate when the envelope is passed around the office depends on how much they like their colleague, whether they are on a higher salary and how long they have worked for the company. On the flip side, job hunters claim their main motivation for moving is career advancement, promotion opportunities and a higher salary.

And as a wave of job seekers prepare to hand in their resignation, colleagues and friends can collectively expect to be invited to more than 13.1 million* leaving parties over the next 12 months.

In fact most office workers can expect to attend several leaving dos in the run up to Christmas as employeesí desire for a new start in the New Year is so strong that a quarter plan to hand in their notice before the 25th.

Christine Petty, Operations Director at smile internet bank said: Itís normal for people to take stock of their lives in the run up to New Year so job hunting at this time of year makes perfect sense. So as the collection box gets passed around, staff should give what they feel comfortable with and perhaps a little more for colleagues who are particularly close.

However, not all leaving presents are received with gratitude. smile has compiled a list of the top five worst leaving gifts:

Caricature card highlighting all your bad points
Framed picture of colleagues at work
A company branded paperweight
Carriage clock
Fountain pen