A significant majority of UK professionals are increasingly reluctant to change jobs, with 71% expressing hesitation due to concerns over job security, according to a recent poll by global recruitment firm Robert Walters.
This trend, which the firm has dubbed ‘The Big Stay,’ suggests that many workers are prioritising stability over career advancement, a choice that could have wide-ranging implications for both their professional futures and the broader economy.
The survey highlights that three-quarters of respondents consider job security as a key factor when evaluating new opportunities, with 16% admitting that fear of insecurity in a new role has completely deterred them from applying.
Chris Eldridge, CEO of Robert Walters UK & Ireland, contrasts this with the wave of ‘The Great Resignation’ just a few years ago, when professionals were changing jobs at record rates, lured by higher starting salaries. He notes, “While there was initial concern about ‘The Big Stay,’ this may be a short-lived phenomenon as market confidence appears to be rebounding post-election.”
Eldridge warns that staying in a stagnant role could hinder both individual career development and economic dynamism. “Economic growth relies on labour mobility. Organisations need fresh perspectives to remain competitive, and employees who shy away from new opportunities risk stagnating in their careers. Statistically, those who change jobs more frequently tend to earn more over their working lives.”
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