Jobseekers prepared to take pay cuts to work

According to a new study commissioned by Gumtree.com and surveying a total of 300 HR managers and 3,000 unemployed people, candidates are becoming more and more desperate for jobs. 43% admitted they are prepared to reduce their salary expectations while 39% confessed they are prepared to accept a more junior role.

Some 20% of those working in the HR industry revealed that the current threat of cuts to public sector jobs has caused a new trend of job seekers willing to join the private sector, with 37% who are trying to change careers.

From the HR professionals’ point of view, 85% of them admitted they would consider a candidate who has no particular relevant experience if they are in a position to show that they have the right skills for the role.

Careers expert John Lees told the Press Association: "Thousands of people are expected to see their jobs disappear over the next 18 months. Despite the good news emerging about unemployment figures, there are going to be rocky times ahead, especially for those in vulnerable public sector jobs."

Sam Taylor from Gumtree.com told Onrec: "We all know that navigating the job market can be a minefield but the report shows that, according to HR professionals, there is light at the end of the tunnel as far as re-skilling is concerned."