The Great Stagnation | Half of UK workforce considering exit over lack of L&D opportunities

UK businesses are in for a reskilling reckoning, as new research reveals a workforce on the edge. The insights, from Arden University, found that nearly half (49%) of employees are ready to walk away from their current roles for better professional development opportunities elsewhere.

Going beyond representing current business turnover rates, this is a clear signal that a lack of innovation in workforce development is stalling business growth and threatening the national economy.

“Failing to offer meaningful upskilling isn’t just a retention headache; it’s an anchor dragging down economic performance,” says Steven Hurst, Director of Corporate Learning at Arden University.

“This development gap is already costing the UK economy up to £39 billion a year in lost productivity. When you factor in the digital skills gap, that figure swells to a staggering £63 billion in lost GDP annually. Businesses that don’t invest in their people are now paying a high price for standing still.”