National Job Confidence Increases
26/03/2014
Majority attribute increase in jobs confidence to economic recovery
The third National Careers Service Job Confidence Index shows that the nation's job confidence is increasing.
Four out of five people (79%) became more job confident or maintained the same confidence levels in their job and ability to find work since November 2013 when the last Index results were available - an increase of 3%. The results reveal an increase of 5% since the first Index in August 2013.
And the research, conducted by ICM, shows the main driver behind the nation's increase in job confidence is the economic recovery, with 57% claiming they are more job confident as a result of improving business outlook - (an increase of 15 percentage points from 42% in August and November to 57% now).
In addition to the economic recovery, a third of people also attributed their increase in job confidence down to more opportunities being available, (34%) and having the right skills/ qualifications (32%).
The overall Index, based on research looking at various issues affecting someone's confidence in finding work, analyses the state of the nation's work and employment prospects.
Taking in other, underlying factors, the overall national job confidence score has increased by 2.1 points since November 2013, increasing from 53.5 to 55.6 out of 100. An increase of 3.8 points since the first Index was released in August 2013.
Seven in 10 of all respondents agree that they have the right experience to find work, an increase of 8% since August 2013. There has also been an increase in confidence around writing an application letter/ form, (up 7% from 63% since the first Index in August 2013), and developing a CV, (up 6% from 61% since the first Index in August).
However, when it comes to pinning down job opportunities and performing under pressure, the Index reveals that job seekers may need more help. Just over a quarter of people (28%) do not feel confident in being interviewed for a job, compared to 35% in November 2013.
What's more, although there is a consensus amongst those that are not employed but seeking work, that developing a CV and gaining work experience are important steps in showing ability to future employers, and although there is evidence to show confidence in these areas, only a third of all respondents have actually taken steps to update their CV and less than one in ten (7%) have applied for work experience.
And the research shows that overall job confidence is increasing across all regions and sectors of society - including the unemployed. The North East and West Midlands saw the biggest leaps in job confidence compared to three months ago.
All areas in the country cite economic recovery as the biggest driver behind an increase in job confidence, with most agreement on this factor from Yorkshire and the Humber, (67%), followed by the North West, West Midlands and the East of England at 60%.
Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock said: "It is testament to our long term economic plan that people are becoming more confident in the jobs market. Every job means more economic security for families.
"To support this growing feeling and as the recovery continues people can be assured that the National Careers Service provides advice to all ages and at all stages of their working lives. I would urge anyone who needs help with their job search gets in touch with them today."
June Jackson, aged 53 from New Romney, Kent, who had been unemployed for 14 years before she contacted the National Careers Service for help to find a job said: "I am a completely different person to who I was before I contacted the National Careers Service. My children say they hardly recognise me. They are so pleased that I am happy again - and it's all down to the help I received from the National Careers Service. They gave me the confidence I needed to believe in myself.
"As I became more confident, I realised I wanted to help others overcome their problems, embrace change and achieve their goals. I now work as an adviser for Romney Resource Centre, helping unemployed people to find jobs. My work is so rewarding. I have gone from feeling that nothing was worthwhile to working in a job that I love, helping others overcome hurdles and realise that there is often light at the end of the tunnel. My journey has only just begun and I am very much looking forward to my future."
Get in touch with the National Careers Service by calling 0800 100 900 or search online.
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