2 out of every 5 workers would accept fewer job rights than they had before the pandemic

JobsAware today urges job seekers to be cautious, citing a study that found two out of every five workers would accept worse working conditions than they would have before the pandemic.

The end of furlough, which is expected to put more job seekers on the market, has fueled the acceptance of subpar terms. A rise in the cost of living caused by increases in energy prices has also increased pressure on job seekers to find paying work or increase their current income. However, JobsAware – which launched today as a new, more expansive version of SAFERjobs – warns that no matter how badly a job seeker wants to be hired, they must be wary of scams.

Job offers without an interview, requests for payment, suspicious contact information, and poorly written job advertisements are all red flags. Job openings recently surpassed 1 million for the first time, and applications are frequently completed entirely online, making the work of fraudsters easier.

JobsAware encourages anyone who believes they have been targeted, a victim of a job scam, or have been treated unfairly to report the company and website to the JobsAware website. It will investigate and, if necessary, take further action.

JobsAware offers advice, assistance, and a way to report job scams and unfair labor practices to anyone working or looking for work in the United Kingdom. Previously, SAFERjobs assisted over 2 million people in conducting a safer job search.

It is a trusted source of worker intelligence and advice for the UK government, helping to inform labor market policy. JobsAware collaborates with the recruitment industry and employers to ensure that job postings are properly vetted and legitimate.

JobsAware has previously collaborated with the Metropolitan Police, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Citizens Advice, GetSafeOnline, and CIFAS to raise awareness of job-seeker fraud.

Keith Rosser, chair of JobsAware says: “We are launching at a time when people need us – and that is underlined by the fact nearly half of job seekers are prepared to accept worse conditions than before the pandemic.

“The process to get a new job is now often fully online – and with the furlough scheme coming to an end and job vacancies on the rise, this has created an environment where fraudsters can thrive.

“We’re warning job seekers and those changing industries to be hyper-vigilant of job scams and their employment rights.”