Londoners taking entrepreneur’ plunge to get out of recession

WORKERS across London are likely to emerge out of the ashes of the current recession happier with their jobs than they were before. That’s the prediction today from online research that claims London is the most entrepreneurial’ region in Britain, with one-in-five people considering starting their own business

By Mike Brooke

WORKERS across London are likely to emerge out of the ashes of the current recession happier with their jobs than they were before.

That's the prediction today from online research that claims London is the most 'entrepreneurial' region in Britain, with one-in-five people considering starting their own business.

Almost a-quarter of workers polled (23 per cent) are looking for jobs that are more creative and fulfilling, while only seven per cent view better job security as priority, according to Monster.co.uk's research.

Its YouGov poll of 2,500 adults, including 1,600 workers, found 19 per cent of respondents in London having started or looking to start a new business as a result of the tough recession, making it the most entrepreneurial region in the country, compared with only 13 per cent in the North West and 11 per cent in Scotland.

Top reason given by four-out-of-10 Londoners for changing careers was better pay, while 23 per cent want more creative 'job satisfaction' work as a motivation for career choices.

"You might expect people entrenched in their jobs riding out the storm in the face of economic uncertainty," said Julian Acquari, managing director of Monster UK.

"But research suggests Londoners currently working are more open to career change than you would expect in the current climate."

His company is providing job seekers with the chance to meet prospective employers face-to-face at a series of careers fairs touring the country. One planned in London is Monday week, September 7, at the Business Design Centre in Upper Street, Islington.