British workers ëstuck in a rutí

BRITISH workers feel they are stuck in a rut - which could be costing their employers up to 200 billion in wasted potential, a new study reveals.

Nearly one third (30%) of the UK workforce - 8.4 million people - reckon they are going nowhere in their current jobs.

Almost half (48%) say they are undervalued and four in ten (43%) believe they are wasting valuable skills and experience.

The study among 571 employees across the UK reveals that employers are at risk of failing to unleash the full potential of their employees. The study - ëTalent Spotting - Making the most of your workforceí - found:

Lack of opportunity: Nearly four in ten employees (38%) are frustrated at the lack of opportunity to try new things - half want their jobs to be more challenging;

Lost productivity: Many feel they are not working to their full potential - on average, employees believe that one third (34%) of their skills and experience are not being utilised;

Unfulfilled potential: Eight in ten employees (83%) believe they could do more for their companies - half reckon they could do their bossí job.
The study helps support the national roll-out of the foundation degree - a new, modern, higher education qualification.

Margaret Hodge, Minister for Lifelong Learning and Higher Education, said: ìToo much talent and ability is going to waste because employers are failing to develop the potential of the people they have, and to appreciate the real value of on-the-job learning and experience.î

ìFoundation degrees can help people move out of career ruts and into better and more interesting jobs by equipping them with the technical know-how, academic knowledge, and transferable skills that employers now demand. And they can help employers channel the energy, enthusiasm and commitment of their employees before scouring the jobs market for skills they may already have.î

Other findings include:
The majority of employees reckon that employers are to blame for failing to fill ëskills gapsí.

Nine out of ten say employers are responsible for ensuring there are enough skilled employees in the workplace.

And the same number reckons employers should give existing staff the chance to show what they can offer before recruiting new people.

But employees are also prepared to play their part. The majority accepts that they have a greater individual responsibility to ensure they have the right skills for the job (66%) than the Government (62%), schools (57%) or universities (55%).

Over three quarters of workers (79%) are keen to do more and to get on in their careers.

Better connections and better skills hold the key to climbing the career ladder say nine out of ten employees. Working hard, reading trade magazines and studying for professional qualifications are also essential activities if you want to get on.
Foundation degree courses are available at institutions across the UK. For further details log on to www.foundationdegree.org.uk or call learndirect on 0800 100900.

www.foundationdegree.org.uk