Jobseekers prefer roles in the public sector by over three to one, according to research from leading UK jobs website totaljobs.com. In a survey of over 5,000 UK jobseekers, 55% said they would prefer to work for a public sector organisation, compared to an equivalent role in the private sector. Only 16% of jobseekers said they would favour the private sector.

Working culture is one of the main reasons.  This includes favourable hours, holidays and flexi-time – cited by 62% as the main factors. Meanwhile, nearly half said a good pension deal is important. A further 57% would recommend a job as a civil servant to graduates.  34% said they are attracted to the sector due to the feeling of community.

Moral

Moral in the sector is also good.  This is despite job cuts and lack of wage increases.  Nearly a third (31%) of those surveyed rated moral as either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, subsequently, fewer than 21% described it as ‘poor’.

In response to the findings, director of public sector at totaljobs.com, Mike Booker said:

“The civil service remains an attractive option to jobseekers.  They’re looking for roles with reasonable working hours, as well as a fair deal on fundamental benefits like annual leave. With real wages falling across many industries and the rise of ‘zero-hours’ contracts, jobseekers are turning to the public sector as it has traditionally offered more job security. However, with the age of austerity set to continue and continued high demand for the positions available, competition will be as fierce as ever. For civil service recruiters this means a good opportunity to hire some of the very best talent.”

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Sources: Onrec, Totaljobs