IT workers opt for flexibility over job losses

Bosses and workers should share sacrifices to stem job losses

The fear of job losses is changing the behaviour of IT and telecoms workers, according to a survey by campaign group Keep Britain Working.

The poll of 2,500 staff in the IT sector suggests 95 per cent of workers would accept changes in working conditions to help colleagues keep their jobs. Just over a third – 34 per cent – would accept a pay cut and nearly half – 47 per cent – would agree to their hours being reduced to help fellow employees.

The poll comes on the back of the most recent UK unemployment figures, released on 18 March, showing a record increase in February pushing unemployment above two million for the first time in nearly 12 years.

But bosses asking for sacrifices without including themselves in the deal can expect 49 per cent of employees to challenge their manager on the disparity, with 10 per cent taking more direct action – such as a go-slow (three per cent), walking off the job and seeking redundancy (four per cent), and strike action (two per cent).

Keep Britain Working campaign founder James Reed said the survey pointed to a new altruism at work.

"If people believe that being flexible about their own employment conditions will help stem job losses they will take on change and make personal sacrifices – especially if bosses do their bit," he said.

Reed said that more than 400 ideas, practical examples and advice had already been submitted to the Keep Britain Working website, which was only set up last month.

"People are full of innovative and effective ways to help employers cope with the downturn other than by simply cutting jobs," he said.

New unemployment figures for the UK will be released on Wednesday 22 April, on the same date as Alistair Darling opens his red Budget briefcase.