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UK Job-Hunters Laugh in the Face of the Minimum Wage
In order to understand the nation's views on the minimum wage and Election 2015, CV-Library conducted an independent survey across a cross-section of over 2,000 of its job-hunters, providing a voice for Britain's professionals.
Top findings of the survey show:
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The results of the survey demonstrate that UK job-seekers aren't greedy. With an average living wage coming in at £7.85, a request for a minimum wage of £7.50-£8.00 is proof that those looking for new employment just want a fair and liveable wage.
Even in the midst of the rising costs of living, Britain's professionals are not solely money-orientated. and would consider taking a minimum wage job if it meant it would provide increased job satisfaction; once again, reaffirming their realistic goals. Friendly working environments, flexible working hours, and extra perks such as pension plans or private healthcare were all viewed as a reasonable alternative to money.
However, almost a quarter of respondents could not be persuaded to consider a minimum wage job. Soaring house prices and increasing costs of rent mean that many simply cannot afford to take a cut in pay.
One job-hunter illustrates the struggles that the current minimum wage presents, urging the next government to: asking:
With political parties making their final push to win extra votes, Aside from the 29% of job-hunters that believe none of the political parties will improve the UK job market, the votes between Conservatives and Labour remain neck-and-neck. Despite Labour accounting for 28% of votes, 20% of job-seekers put their faith into Conservatives to benefit the nation's job scene, leaving only a slim 8% difference between the two leading parties.
Lee Biggins , Managing Director at CV-Library offers his views surrounding the minimum wage: "I believe there needs to a guideline to prevent the exploitation of young and foreign workers. The job market is becoming more competitive for businesses, with fewer candidates looking for work and an increasing number of positions that need filling. It's essential to retain staff by keeping them motivated and loyal, and that includes ensuring you pay employees their fair value, instead of relying on minimum wage guidelines. This is an approach that I have always implemented in my own business and one that continues to develop loyal and happy staff."
And if anyone was wondering about the poor old Liberal Democrats, only 5% of job-hunters believe that Nick Clegg will be beneficial to the UK job market. Maybe it's time to contact CV-Library, Nick?
CV-Library is one of the UK's largest online job sites and attracts over 3.5 million unique job seekers every month. Founded by Lee Biggins in 2000, CV-Library is the UK's leading independent online job board with a database of over 8.6 million CVs.
Michelle Smithson
m.smithson@cv-library.co.uk
+44-(0)1252-810995