More positive signs in the economy have persuaded 27% of workers to look for a new job, according to research from Badenoch & Clark.

The research shows that the figures jump to 40% for London employees. Under 24-year-olds (42%) are most keen to move on.

Neil Wilson, managing director of Badenoch & Clark, says: “Although still cautious, the general business atmosphere has seen an uplift in recent months. As people start to lift their head above the parapet, many see an opportunity to leave an employer that hasn’t perhaps treated them very well during the downturn.

“For employers, this could lead to a dangerous brain drain at the precise moment they need their best people in place to push for growth.”