Recruiters have a bumper new year in store, with a high percentage of the population planning to look for a new job once they have seen in 2005.

A survey by recruitment website totaljobs.com concluded that 42% of UK workers would make finding a new job one of their new year resolutions. A quarter said career advancement was the main reason for looking elsewhere.

The survey also found that failure to keep workers motivated has prompted the rise of the ‘nomadic employee’. This is particularly prevalent in the under-20 age group, many of whom have had up to five jobs since leaving full-time education.

Tracy Flowerday, business development director of Badenoch & Clark, believes there are many reasons why employees leave their jobs. “Contrary to popular belief, money isn’t usually top of the list,” said Flowerday. “Stress, feeling undervalued and boredom feature most highly.”