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London calling? Only 1 in 4 think Capital is the most attractive place to work

 

Only 1 in 4 (25%) British adults who live outside London and the South East envy the UK capital as an attractive place to work, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by economic development company, Opportunity Peterborough. Nearly two-thirds (61%), think their closest city is a better business location than London.

 The Scots were most proud of their regional city hubs. 83 % of people in Scotland believe their closest city is an attractive place for people to work.

 The survey also dispels the myth that Britons hate Monday mornings. Almost three-quarters (72%) of those who have a workplace said they feel ready going into work on a Monday (of which 28% feel motivated and ready, and 44% feel reluctant, but ready).  Only 14% admit to feeling tired and de-motivated, and just 6% resent going in or feel disinterested.

 In fact, the majority of British workers are happy with where they work. 80% are satisfied with the quality of their workplace and less than a fifth is dissatisfied (19%).  

 The main complaint British workers have is the distance between home and where they work: over a quarter (26%) would most like to work somewhere closer to where they live.

 Neil Darwin, Director of Economic Development at Opportunity Peterborough, commented:

“Traditionally London has been seen as the centre of business, but regional development initiatives, regeneration programmes and improvements in remote working technology have all combined to give greater opportunity to Britain’s other regional cities.

“The survey reveals that in spite of the recent headlines about job cuts and uncertainty in the job market, the majority of workers are ready for the week ahead when they wake up on a Monday morning.

“As sustainability, localism and community spirit all become increasingly important to consumers and businesses alike, where and how we do business in Britain is on the cusp of major change. With over a quarter stating they would like to work somewhere closer to where they live, we believe more compact regional hubs like Peterborough could represent the future of enterprise in Britain”.

  According to the research the key ingredients of a great workplace are:

  • One in five (22%) British workers would like a nicer office/building;
  • 22% would like a better canteen or lunch amenities;
  • 17% would like better transport links;
  • 16% would prefer to work from home;
  • 12% would prefer more green spaces;

 

Notes to Editors

 The research

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2370 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 25th – 27th October 2010.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

 Opportunity Peterborough is an economic development company whose objective is to drive forward sustainable economic growth in Peterborough, as the UK’s Home of Environment Capital. Originally established in 2005 as an Urban Regeneration Company, Opportunity Peterborough is a not-for-profit company working in partnership with the city council. A public sector funded company, it has the support of a private sector board. 

 The research comes as Opportunity Peterborough launches an online debate into what makes the perfect business environment. To join the debate visit: https://www.opportunitypeterborough.co.uk/rightenvironment