The UK workforce is full of job flirts, always on the look out for the next opportunity, according to a new survey by Adecco.

The Work in Progress: Jobseekers survey, found that the workforce is made up of career flirts. Despite 82% believing they will be in the same job in 12 months from now, 40% of UK employees surveyed have applied for a job or registered with a recruitment agency in the past 12 months.

It found that the Internet has become the number one search tool for jobseekers with 59% preferring to use the job sections of company websites and adverts in national and local papers to search for new positions.

It found nearly half believe it is harder to get a better job now than three years ago.

The research identified strong links between levels of employer commitment to nature of job, working environment and job stability and the engagement levels of employees.

The top factors that attract job seekers to a new company or role are interesting or challenging work (89%), followed by a friendly/ pleasant environment (84%), and regular pay rises (84%).

The research also reveals that job seekers are in ‘permanent interview’ mode from their desks. The Internet is increasingly the most important tool for communication and as people have increasing access to the Internet, this is being reflected in the way people search for work.

Adecco managing director Steven Kirkpatrick tells Recruiter: “Nobody thinks about why employees are so flirty in the workplace - people in business just haven’t got their heads around this yet.

“However, employers can have the best operations and businesses, but if they don’t recognise the efforts of their staff then it means nothing.”