Despite those working in the public sector being fiercely defensive of their pensions, the pull of the private sector and its perceived higher job security is attractive to job seekers, finds the Hays Career Outlook Survey.
The surveys also finds almost two-thirds (60%) of public sector workers saying the public sector is a worse place to work compared to before the recession, compared to only 40% in the private sector.
Meanwhile, more than three-quarters (84%) of public sector employers are concerned they will struggle to keep skilled workers, and almost half (46%) believing they will be unable to attract the skilled people needed for the year ahead. An overwhelming 80% believe this will have an impact on the delivery of public services.
“These results indicate the potential dangers ahead for the public sector if something is not done to address poor morale and the perceptions some workers have about what the two sectors offer in terms of career progression and job security," said Andy Robling, public services director at Hays.
“Public sector employers are clearly worried about keeping and attracting the staff they need – the question is what impact will this have on frontline services and how can we minimise any negative impact? The news that over half of workers in the public sector, who often choose work there to make a positive difference to society, would consider trading in their pension for a career in the private sector underlines how keen they are to move. While conditions in the private sector are challenging too it is clearly one step ahead of the public sector in terms of attracting and motivating talent.”
