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Two thirds of the working population are likely to move on if they were offered a better job, finds research.

This translates to around 19 million people who are ready to leave their current employer, despite the uncertain economic situation and fears about unemployment, according to a survey from recruiting expert Hays.

However, a third (33 per cent) 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 per cent) believe there are no jobs that require their skills and 18 per cent think there is a lack of jobs in their industry, and 21 per cent believe they would be unable to find a better-paid position.

More than four in ten 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 per cent of workers not looking for a job saying they would miss their colleagues too much to leave.

Director at Hays Charles Logan says, ‘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.’

People aged 35-44 are the most likely to switch jobs (64 per cent) if they were offered a more attractive role, with older people aged 45-54 least likely to move jobs (31 per cent). People in London (49 per cent) are the most keen to move on to another role.

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