According to research by NorthgateArinso, employers and HR managers should be checking on succession plans and talent management policies now, in preparation.
NorthgateArinso has received a record number of enquiries around recruitment processes in 2010. The firm's recruitment experts believe many disgruntled employees will have used the long Easter weekend to hone their CVs and apply for jobs.
In addition, at the end of the financial year for many companies, there is often little money left for HR initiatives, and therefore employees who have been waiting for a pay rise or promotion for some time may run out of patience.
The combination of all of these factors has led the consultancy to conclude employers may be hit with a deluge of resignations on 10 May - given the average recruitment cycle takes six weeks.
Phil Brown, service director at NorthgateArinso, said: "We've had more enquiries than ever around recruitment, which suggests that the recruitment market is springing back into life.
"At the same time, many employees have been waiting a long time for the pay rises and promotions they believe they are due, and the end of Q1 could be the end of the line for employers."
Brown is urging employers to ensure they are prepared for ‘Mutiny Monday' by managing their best talent as effectively as possible - carrying out appraisals and increasing employee engagement, even if funds aren't immediately available.
He added: "If the worst happens and employers see a rise in resignations in May, they need to be prepared and should look at their succession planning now. Businesses must get the support they need, either in-house or from an outside source, to ensure they can manage recruitment and retention as effectively as possible."
