90% of workers fear job is unsafe

ALMOST nine out of 10 workers in the Republic fear their job is not safe, according to a survey.

As flagship employers like Dell, Waterford Crystal and Tara Mines struggle to cut costs to stay in business, a survey found 85% of employees are worried about their future.

And according to employment law firm Peninsula Ireland, staff need to prove their worth in order to try and safeguard their jobs.

Alan Price, head of Peninsula Ireland, said both workers and management should adapt in the downturn even though their have no guarantees for the future.

“Taking on more responsibility is also a good way for workers to ‘recession proof’ themselves; with more responsibility, an employee is less disposable than their counterparts,” he said.

“It is no secret we are heading into a tough year. However, Irish employees should take a proactive approach to increase their chances of job security.”

Based on the poll, Peninsula also drew up a workers’ wish list for this year with the top five including:

* To have their job made more secure — 58%.

* A pay rise — 23%.

* To be given more responsibility — 11%.

* Job satisfaction — 5%.

* A promotion — 3%.

Mr Price said: “Taking on more responsibility and proving indispensable to a firm will help them avoid potential redundancy.

“With employees working harder to show their worth, companies will benefit from a better performance and in turn will see their business become more productive.”

Peninsula Ireland urged both workers and employers to seek a compromise when discussing wages, while he also suggested bosses should recognise the importance of job satisfaction and responsibility.

Peninsula surveyed 1,066 employees in the two weeks before Christmas and during the festive break.