UK job satisfaction hits survey low as workers seek better pay and flexibility
Original report:
A Resolution Foundation analysis reported in November 2026 found UK job satisfaction at its lowest level in the British Social Attitudes series. Workers reported less interesting jobs and less willingness to put in extra effort, alongside concerns about pay, flexibility and security.
UK job satisfaction fell from 81% in 2015 to 74% in 2025, according to Resolution Foundation analysis reported by the Guardian on 3 November 2026. Drawing on the British Social Attitudes survey, the thinktank said this was the lowest reading since the question was introduced in 1989. It linked dissatisfaction to limited flexibility, insecure employment and reduced independence.
The share willing to work harder than required to help their employer succeed dropped from 69% to 55% over the decade. Those describing their jobs as interesting fell from 74% to 63%. Report co-author Hannah Slaughter said concerns about low pay extended across earnings groups, while workers also wanted greater flexibility and financial security.
The findings distinguish dissatisfaction with particular jobs from rejection of work itself: only 4% of workers saw little intrinsic value in working, a share the foundation said had remained stable. The thinktank presented the analysis as relevant to policymakers addressing weak productivity growth, limited job mobility and economic inactivity.
Source
the Guardian — 3 November 2026
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