However, a third (33%) of workers who aren't currently looking for a job aren't doing so as they believe staying put offers more security in a turbulent job market than a new role. Just under one in five (18%) believe there are no jobs that require their skills and 18% think there is a lack of jobs in their industry, and 21% believe they would be unable to find a better-paid position. More than four in ten (42%) of people who aren't currently looking for a job are staying because they actually like their current job. Workplace relations are clearly also under pressure, with a meagre 11% of workers not looking for a job saying they would miss their colleagues too much to leave.

Charles Logan, Director at Hays, commented: "As these results show, the economic situation Britain has been facing has had a significant impact on the morale of the workforce. Many small and medium-sized enterprises have found it challenging and some staff feel over-worked and disillusioned. This is a particular problem for organisations of this size, which don't always have the support structures in place and now risk losing skilled and experienced people when they need them most. Employers need to look at ways of re-engaging and motivating staff so they have the most productive teams in place to support their businesses."

The survey finds that people aged 35-44 are the most likely to switch jobs (64%) if they were offered a more attractive role, with older people aged 45-54 least likely to move jobs (31%). Results also showed that people in London (49%) are the most keen to move on to another role, while those in the East and West Midlands (35% and 39%) and North East (28%) reported the lowest numbers of people likely to switch jobs.