Britons are happy to be in work, research shows

The majority of British people would choose to be in work even if they did not need the money, according to the British Social Attitudes survey.

The survey found that many Britons are happy to be in work, with over 60 per cent saying that they would like to take on a job that they enjoyed doing rather than staying at home, despite being stressed as a result of working longer hours.

Pressure

The survey also showed how people feel about their job role and job security, with some saying that they feel under pressure to perform well in their job and believe that they have less job security than before.

However, employed Britons were found to be happier in their role and would stay in the same job for this reason rather than just for the money. Respondents were also found to be more likely to stay in the same job role even if they won the lottery.

The survey also found that graduate workers are amongst those who are the most likely to want a job even if they did not need the money.

Willing

Commenting on the research, NatCen Survey Centre Director, Kirby Swales, said that there is a “common pattern” of people working harder but being happier, and that there has been an increase in those who are willing to work hard.

He added: “It does seem to be increasingly accepted among people that they have to go that extra mile and they accept that work is a bit more stressful and a bit more imposing on their work-life balance, but if that is associated with more autonomy there are plenty of people choosing to do that.”