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Employees feel less optimistic about job prospects in 2010 than they did for 2009

Despite signs of economic and employment recovery, almost a third of employees feel more negative about their career and job prospects for 2010 than they did for this year.

According to research by Croner, part of Wolters Kluwer, more than a third (36%) of those surveyed in full or part-time work feel less secure in their job than they did a year ago compared with only just over one in 10 (13%) feeling more secure.


Nearly half (46%) of respondents in work have not received a salary increase for over a year - and 15% of respondents for over two years. This looks set to continue as around two fifths (41%) of employees surveyed are not expecting a salary increase next year.

But a quarter of respondents (28%) are experiencing green shoots in their company. And young people are more optimistic about the future, with over a third (38%) of 18 to 24 year-old workers feeling more positive about their career in 2010 compared with this year. For the over 55s who work the figure is 15%

Gillian Dowling, employment technical consultant at Croner, said: "With new fears for the global economy as a result of Dubai's recent debt crisis, our results may be an indication of what's in store for 2010.

 

"Employees have been through a lot this past year, many experiencing large-scale redundancies for the first time, and a large number accepting variations to contractual terms, including reduced working hours and pay freezes - so it's not surprising many people are still feeling unsettled. Employers need to look for cost-effective ways to keep staff motivated and engaged."

"Although employment figures are showing promising signs of improvement and redundancies are beginning to ease, we still have a long way to go. Motivating employees who remain in the business after large-scale redundancies will be an issue for 2010."