The public sector is becoming increasingly attractive to candidates around the world, according to specialist professional recruiter Robert Walters.
 
In an online web poll, professional candidates from 17 different countries were asked whether they would consider moving from private to public sector employment. Of 2,785 respondents, nearly two thirds (66%) said they would be more than happy to take on a role in the public sector.

Candidates from Australia (78%), Luxembourg (78%), Ireland (73%) and New Zealand (70%) were most enthusiastic about making the change.

However, in Thailand (36%), Spain (36%) and Malaysia (24%), a large proportion of candidates said that they would not consider working in the public sector.

Oliver Harris, managing director of contract recruitment at Robert Walters, says: “Global economic conditions mean that the private sector employment market is volatile, at a time when job security is more important than ever.  

“This sentiment is reflected by the findings of our survey as an increasing number of candidates are willing to consider public sector roles.  They are attracted by benefits that not only include job stability, but also more flexible working arrangements, competitive salaries and a good work/life balance.”

Tim Cook, managing director for Hays UK & Ireland, adds: “The popularity of working in the public sector has grown enormously in recent times – the downturn has naturally triggered a sharp realignment in jobseekers’ priorities. A Hays survey at the beginning of the year already identified this as a trend: in the UK almost three quarters of respondents (72%) were more likely to consider a career in the public sector than they were at the same time 12 months ago, with job security unsurprisingly the most important consideration.  The ‘safe haven’ portrayal is not the only reason for its attractiveness: the divide between the private and public sectors has lessened and a perception of a career in the public sector has improved considerably.”