The Reed 2013 Salary and Market Insight report, surveyed 1,500 UK employers and employees and found that just under three quarters (74%) of workers feel secure or very secure in their current role. It said it was this sense of security, coupled with the growth of job opportunities over 2012, which had given the UK's workforce renewed confidence.
The Reed.co.uk job index, a monthly tracker of employment trends, shows that the jobs market started 2013 at its strongest for three years, with a 10% increase in new job opportunities year-on-year. Reed indicated that businesses were feeling secure enough to invest in their workforce.
The report also showed that 61% of businesses are worried about staff moving on to seek better opportunities, despite the same number of employees saying they are satisfied in their current role.
Kevin Green, chief executive, Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), told HR magazine: "All the indicators show that employers are feeling more positive as are employees. I believe employment should continue to grow in 2013."
Tom Lovell, group managing director, Reed, said: "The jobs market is a good indication of the mood of business and the increase we have seen in job opportunities over the past year indicates economic confidence. Businesses are feeling confident to invest in talent and it is encouraging that this has now translated into confidence for workers to look for new roles too."
Lovell continued: "While it is clear some employers are concerned about losing talent, it is important to remember that a buoyant jobs market presents opportunity.
"Employers wanting to hold on to talent should ensure they are investing in staff - through training and promotion opportunities - and those that are looking to recruit can be confident that the available talent pool has widened."
