Hays Public Services survey finds workers putting security ahead of salary

According to a new survey by Hays Public Services, nearly three out of every four private sector workers (72%) surveyed said they are more likely to consider a public sector job now compared to a year ago due to the economic downturn. The search for greater job security is the greatest reason behind considering a move to the public sector (73%), followed by a desire for better work-life balance (59%) and better benefits (37%).

The study also found that more than half of respondents (54%) would be prepared to take some level of pay cut for improved job security in public sector, with the majority of respondents (54%) willing to take a pay cut for improved job security in the public security in the public sector - as much as a 20% cut for 11% of respondents.

The survey conducted by the UK's leading specialist recruitment consultancy, Hays Public Services, surveyed over 800 people from a variety of backgrounds on whether they thought the public sector had become more of an attractive option during the economic downturn. 

Other key findings from the survey include that nearly a fifth of respondents (18%) are developing transferable skills ready for a potential move to public sector, although more than half of respondents aren't taking any steps to facilitate a move to public sector.

Of those already working in public sector, more than two-thirds (69%) stated they were satisfied with their current position.

Mark Staniland, Director of Hays Public Services, said: "A few years ago the proportion of people willing to consider a public sector job would have been nothing compared to today. Right now the public sector is becoming increasingly attractive to white-collar professionals, who see it as less lacklustre and a much more challenging and rewarding environment".

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Note to Editor:

About Hays:
Hays is part of Hays plc, the leading global specialist recruitment group. Hays is the market leader in the UK and Australia, and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe. By the end of June 2008, the Group employed 8,872 staff operating from 393 offices in 27 countries across 17 varied specialisms including recruitment for IT jobs, engineering jobs and legal jobs.

For the year ended 30 June 2008:
- the Group had revenues of £2.5 billion, net fees of £786.8 million and operating profit before exceptional items of £253.8 million;
- the Group placed around 80,000 candidates into permanent jobs and around 300,000 people into temporary assignments;
- the temporary placement business represented 49% of net fees and the permanent placement business represented 51% of net fees.

For further press information please contact:
Sarah Swailes
PR Executive
Hays
Charter House
13 - 15 Carteret Street
London
SW1H 9DJ
020 7222 6543
www.hays.com