Today, 7 January, is the busiest day in the year for UK jobseekers with nearly half of all UK employees likely to search for new career options online, according to research from www.jobsite.co.uk.

The study found that 42% of people are planning to hunt for work in January, with the majority planning to start their search for a new job on 7 January. The second most popular day is 31 January when most people recieve their first pay cheque of 2008.

The research revealed that 61% of jobseekers plan to spend more than two hours a day on their new year job hunt whilst 41% of employees will be searching for vacancies when they should be working.

The research also reveals that posting vacancies online will be the most effective method of attracting candidates this year, as jobhunters are now most likely to search for a new job via the internet – 48% of people polled say this is the easiest way to look for work. A further 22% will look through ads in the papers, whilst one in 10 will only apply for a job if they hear about it from friends or family.

Keith Potts (pictured), chief executive, says: “The new year is often seen as a good time to make changes and start afresh. With time off over Christmas to reflect on your current job situation it’s perhaps unsurprising that the first Monday back in the office – which this year is the 7 January - sends most people looking for something more fulfilling.

The poll revealed that almost half of people have used the Christmas break to think about their career, with 62% saying they think the new year is an ideal time to have a new start. While money is the most significant driver behind jobhunting in January, 51% of UK workers also crave more job satisfaction. And more than one in ten say they are unhappy in their current job.