UK workers reject 'job for life'

19/01/2009

UK workers are increasingly rejecting the 'jobs for life' mantra and looking more for a 'career journey', new research has revealed.

According to the Career Evolution report for Friends Provident, 60 per cent of respondents will change career at least once and 20 per cent said they would start at least four new jobs in the next 25 years.

"Careers are now being selected rather than accepted," the report claimed. It went on to say workers were more interested in a job that would "provide fulfilment as much as a pay packet".

The study, undertaken by The Future Laboratory revealed 13 million people would make at least two career changes and three-quarters of those who had already switched careers, did so of their own choice.

"Our report found that, when thinking about the future of careers paths, most people (39 per cent) believe the UK's workers will want to expand their abilities to seek new opportunities by developing their skill sets through new careers," said head of corporate pensions marketing at Friends Provident, Martin Palmer.

The government advises workers thinking of making a change to consider if they want a new role with the same employer, a change of employer or a completely different career.

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