A Quarter Of Scottish Workers Would Consider Relocation For Job Opportunities

New research has found that Scottish workers are more likely to consider relocation than workers from other parts of the UK and Ireland. TMP Worldwide's recruitment survey, 'The World of Work: Working in Interesting Times', has researched the views of 1,605 job seekers across the UK and Ireland and found that over one in three (35%) job seekers in Scotland are more likely to consider relocating, compared to an average of a quarter from respondents across the UK and Ireland.

Workers are concerned about the impact of the economy on their own jobs. The research highlights that over a quarter (26%) of Scottish job seekers are worried about job security, with 45% saying that the economy will get worse in the next 12 months.

However, there is also tremendous optimism with the uncertain economy not affecting the majority views of job seekers. 60% of Scottish workers believe that their jobs will be secure in the future, which is slightly more than the UK average of 57%.


Scottish employees are confident they can move jobs without difficulty, with 57% of Scottish employees being very confident in their ability to find a job and 67% who will be looking to change jobs in the next 12 months. The main reason for changing jobs is to get more experience and have better prospects, say one in five Scottish employees, although 64% would be tempted to move jobs for more money and 37% for better benefits.

Scottish workers vote for Gordon Brown. 19% say that having Gordon Brown on board would enhance their organisation's employer brand. This compares favourably to an average of 13% that he attracts across the country. Gordon Brown is second only to Richard Branson who won overall with 49% of Scottish votes, but Mr Brown should be pleased to know he is well ahead of David Cameron who received only 2% of Scottish votes.

Andrew Wilkinson, Chief Executive of TMP Worldwide says: "It is great to know that employees are still optimistic about their ability to find a new job, even though there is concern about the economy.

"Employers must recognise this concern and seek to reassure their staff, where possible, that their futures are safe and secure. They also need to show the benefits of working in Scotland so that employees don't decide to move across the border."

(GK/JM)