New research shows a fifth (20 percent) of UK adults are planning a career change in the next five years highlighting a growing trend to switching jobs.  The nationwide study found that under-25s are most likely to consider changing the sector or industry in which they work, with nearly half saying they are planning to change in the next five years. By comparison, 28 percent of 25-34-year olds are also thinking of exploring a career change.

But those further on in their working lives are also open to change, with 13 percent of over 55s considering a new career. The research  also highlighted the barriers which put people off changing careers.  The loss of income whilst training towards a new profession was cited as a key issue by 43 percent of those asked. Other reasons include the fear of feeling too old (40 percent), a lack of qualifications (28 percent), family commitments (27 percent), and the fear of failure (25 percent).

Claire Limon, Director of Learning and Acquisition at Openwork, said: ‘It’s clear from our research that people are becoming increasingly open to a career change – the old concept of staying in one sector for your entire career simply doesn’t apply to the world of work today.

“However many are being held back by the worry that they do not hold the correct qualifications to move into another industry. All ages and backgrounds have the potential to make career changes and there is support available for anyone considering a new job in a different sector.”