February 18, 2011
Almost 20% of workers in the UK fear they are likely to lose their job in the coming months, according to research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD).
A recent survey by the organisation found that one employee in five believes that they are likely to lose their job, with public sector workers the most concerned about their job and financial security.
Out of those public service workers questioned, one-third fear redundancy, compared with 17% in private companies and 22% in the third sector.
To compound the issue, staff were also pessimistic about their chances of finding another job should they be made redundant.
Two-thirds of some 2,000 employees surveyed believed that finding a new career or job within their current sector would be difficult – especially in the public sector - compared to just 8% claiming it to would easy.
In the light of the findings, the CIPD has called on employers to deliver high quality leadership and management to support employee engagement and wellbeing.
"If organisations don't invest in developing high performing managers, they may find better managed competitors racing past on the road to recovery,” commented Ben Willmott, Senior Public Policy Adviser at the CIPD.
"Employers need to find cost-effective ways of equipping their line managers with the people management skills to support employee engagement and wellbeing."
To soften office tensions and fears of job loss, employers should consult and involve staff during major reorganisations or changes to their terms and conditions. By keeping staff informed and working together, employers can safeguard morale and avoid potential legal issues in the future.
