Redundancy fears grow for uk workers, according to Pertemps research

The threat of redundancy is haunting blue collar workers as concerns about the state of UK industry grow, according to new research from Pertemps.

The recruitment group, which provides industrial staff across all sectors, quizzed more than 500 workers about their workplace fears. The survey found that more than one in three UK workers admitted that they feared redundancy, far exceeding concerns about dismissal, pay cuts, longer working hours and freezes in pay rises.

Concerns were greatest in the North East, with 80 per cent of Newcastle workers and 64 per cent of Sunderland workers saying that they felt their job was at risk. By contrast, southern workers were more optimistic: just 4 per cent of Exeter workers and 8 per cent of Portsmouth workers feared the boot.

However, turbulence in the technology sector meant that Cambridge’s silicon valley bucked this trend - nearly two-thirds of workers there admitted they feared for their jobs.

When quizzed about their reasons for fearing redundancy, over a quarter (27 per cent) blamed the current state of UK industry, while 17 per cent said the UK economy as a whole was in decline. Nearly two in five (38 per cent) said that they would worry about money if made redundant, and 28 per cent felt they would have difficulties finding another job.

But the survey also found that many workers were quick to identify the opportunities redundancy could bring.

One in six (16 per cent) claimed they would like the chance to change jobs, while 21 per cent said redundancy would prompt them to reassess their career in some way - either by going back into education, starting a new career, setting up their own business, or taking a break from work.

Ten per cent meanwhile admitted they would take solace in a large redundancy pay-off, and 12 per cent said they would consider retirement if their job was axed.

Janet McGlaughlin, a director of Pertemps, said:

Sadly, the tough economic climate means that redundancy is at the forefront of many workers’ minds at the moment.

If you feel your job may be at risk, it’s important to plan for the worst case scenario at an early stage. Try to cut back on spending and build up a cash reserve - on top of any severance payment, this will give you the financial breathing space to find another job.

While it may be scant consolation at the time, remember that redundancy can be a significant opportunity to reassess your career. Our research has found that many would use redundancy to make a positive change in their life - for instance, retraining for a new career or starting a family. Having this positive outlook is essential if you want to use redundancy as a springboard to better things.