L&D | Workers feel growing pressure to re-skill amid job security concerns

UK workers are feeling increasing pressure to update their skills, with nearly half (48%) believing their qualifications are outdated and even more (51%) fearing their jobs won’t exist in the next five years.

New research from Virgin Media O2 highlights a sharp rise in workers feeling the need to re-skill, with the number of people experiencing this pressure nearly tripling since 2023. More than a quarter (27%) say they plan to retrain or gain additional qualifications in the next year, either to future-proof their careers or switch industries altogether.

This rising urgency to upskill reflects a broader shift in workplace expectations as technology and automation reshape job roles. Despite concerns, many workers are recognising the value of alternative routes to career development, with six in ten (61%) feeling more positively about apprenticeships than in previous years. Meanwhile, 67% believe there are now more opportunities to undertake apprenticeships, and 75% agree that these schemes offer a viable way to gain new skills while earning a salary.

However, persistent misconceptions remain. Nearly two-thirds (62%) still believe apprenticeships are poorly paid, and two in five (45%) doubt they provide long-term job security, despite growing evidence to the contrary.