Job security: Optimists outweigh pessimists (just)

8 July 2008

Optimists outweigh pessimists (just) in job security stakes

The number of New Zealanders concerned about their job security due to the economic outlook is just outnumbered by those who remain unconcerned, reveals a survey by specialist recruiter Hays.

When asked if the economic outlook had any impact on how secure they feel in their job, 48.03% of New Zealanders said `yes I am concerned’, 32.28 said `No change as yet’ and 19.69% chose `No difference’.

``The demand for specialists across many sectors, such as engineering, resources and mining, IT and finance still remains high, and in particular the skilled and highly skilled end of the job market remains very active,’’ says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand. ``But despite this, clearly one in two employees are concerned about their job security.

``For months we’ve heard anxious commentary about US subprime consequences and there has been much talk of organisations, particularly in the banking sector, monitoring effects globally, but little local effects have been seen. Closer to home manufacturers are sending production offshore and petrol price and interest rate pressures have been widely debated.

``This can’t help but make some people feel concerned about job security. But it’s important to note more optimists than pessimists remain, with one in two New Zealanders noticing either no change as yet, or expecting no difference at all to their job security. Perhaps this is because more Kiwis than ever remain in jobs and the unemployment rate remains low.

``So overall, while almost half of us are concerned, the other half remain optimistic and New Zealand’s job market is certainly still providing solid career opportunities,’’ said Jason.

The full survey results were:
Has the economic outlook had any impact on how secure you feel in your job?
Yes I am concerned: 48.03%
No change as yet: 32.28
No difference: 19.69%.

254 New Zealanders completed the survey, which concluded on 30 June 2008.

ENDS

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