A quarter of British workers say their job makes them unhappy as quit intentions rise

"Nearly a quarter of British workers say their job is actively making them unhappy, with one in ten planning to resign this month, according to new research that will intensify concerns about productivity, retention and morale across the UK workforce. The survey, conducted by international education group ACS, found that 9 per cent of employees expect to hand in their notice in January alone,"

"The findings come at a sensitive moment for the UK economy, as ministers attempt to revive productivity growth that has lagged behind international peers for more than a decade. Rachel Reeves pledged in the autumn budget to prioritise productivity, yet the Office for Budget Responsibility subsequently downgraded its growth outlook, citing weaker expectations for output per worker. Workplace dissatisfaction is increasingly being viewed as part of that problem."

"The ACS research suggests that discontent is translating into action. Alongside those planning to resign, 16 per cent of workers said they were considering returning to university or college, while 8 per cent planned to ask for a sabbatical. More than a quarter said they intend to start their own business at some point this year, and 24 per cent want to retrain in a different field."

Nearly a quarter of British workers report that their job makes them unhappy. Nine per cent expect to hand in their notice in January, with over a third of those targeting the first working Monday. Sixteen per cent are considering returning to university or college and eight per cent plan to ask for a sabbatical. More than a quarter intend to start their own business and 24 per cent want to retrain in a different field. Forty-one per cent expect a significant career overhaul in 2026. Rising dissatisfaction is being linked to broader productivity and retention challenges, with younger workers reporting isolation linked to hybrid working.

Read at Business Matters