[UK] Should September’s job change surge be workers’ ‘Back to School’ season?

September is a time which sees many employees seeking to change jobs after finding coming back to reality from the summer switch off a challenge, HR News reports.

Now new research and new employment trends suggest those with doubts may need to change their minds and embrace a ‘Back to School’ mentality instead.  

The research, from European HR and payroll solutions provider SD Worx, reportedly revealed that:   

• A third of UK employees were job hunting this year 

• 36.7 per cent believe it would be easy to find another position 

However, recent ONS data suggested the job market was cooling with 5.8 per cent fewer vacancies from May to July.  To avoid disappointment from employees anticipating the usual ‘September Surge’ of new roles, many could gain market value by remaining in place and using this time to upskill.  

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report echoes this. It found that over half of all employees would require significant reskilling; 60 per cent of organisations are actively transforming their HR approach as a result.  

Laura Miller - UK People Country Leader at SD Worx - said, “September is traditionally a time where people enjoy a break and reflect on their work life from their sunbeds or gardens. Yet, rather than changing jobs, many should see how upskilling and re-skilling present enormous career potential too.  

“Meanwhile, as demand for personalised and purposeful career journeys rises, employers getting upskilling right can not only strengthen their hand but boost employee engagement and set a new tone for company culture throughout the year. Including for those ambitious high performers wanting a new challenge.” 

Ms Miller added, “In a world increasingly shaped by digital tools and AI, employers must show new levels of agility. This means building trust, providing access to cutting-edge technologies, and creating environments where talented individuals can focus on high-value activities and thrive.” 

Source: HR News

(Quotes via original reporting)

September is a time which sees many employees seeking to change jobs after finding coming back to reality from the summer switch off a challenge, HR News reports.

Now new research and new employment trends suggest those with doubts may need to change their minds and embrace a ‘Back to School’ mentality instead.  

The research, from European HR and payroll solutions provider SD Worx, reportedly revealed that:   

• A third of UK employees were job hunting this year 

• 36.7 per cent believe it would be easy to find another position 

However, recent ONS data suggested the job market was cooling with 5.8 per cent fewer vacancies from May to July.  To avoid disappointment from employees anticipating the usual ‘September Surge’ of new roles, many could gain market value by remaining in place and using this time to upskill.  

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report echoes this. It found that over half of all employees would require significant reskilling; 60 per cent of organisations are actively transforming their HR approach as a result.  

Laura Miller - UK People Country Leader at SD Worx - said, “September is traditionally a time where people enjoy a break and reflect on their work life from their sunbeds or gardens. Yet, rather than changing jobs, many should see how upskilling and re-skilling present enormous career potential too.  

“Meanwhile, as demand for personalised and purposeful career journeys rises, employers getting upskilling right can not only strengthen their hand but boost employee engagement and set a new tone for company culture throughout the year. Including for those ambitious high performers wanting a new challenge.” 

Ms Miller added, “In a world increasingly shaped by digital tools and AI, employers must show new levels of agility. This means building trust, providing access to cutting-edge technologies, and creating environments where talented individuals can focus on high-value activities and thrive.” 

Source: HR News

(Quotes via original reporting)