Over 7 million UK workers plan career changes in 2026, reveals new research

New research reveals that more than 7 million UK workers are planning to change careers in 2026.

According to the findings from direct sales recruitment firm Citrus Connect, 42% of UK employees feel stuck in their current roles, while over a quarter admit they don’t know how to make a transition.

Recruitment experts say most workers already possess the transferable skills needed to pivot successfully, but are being held back by low confidence, financial insecurity, and limited access to career support.

“Too often, workers underestimate the skills they already bring to the table,” says Leena Parmar, founder of Citrus Connect. “Soft skills like adaptability, communication, and problem-solving are among the most powerful assets for anyone looking to change careers.”

The study also found that 21% of UK workers are actively planning a career move within the next 12 months, driven by the pursuit of better salaries, improved work-life balance, and greater job satisfaction. Yet confidence remains a critical obstacle. A survey by City & Guilds and StandOut CV found that 6.8 million people – around one in five workers – lack the confidence to pursue a new career path.

Financial concerns, age-related challenges, and family responsibilities were among the top reasons workers cited for staying put. Meanwhile, 72% of employees underestimate how transferable their abilities are – particularly in communication, adaptability, and critical thinking – the very skills most in demand across high-growth sectors such as sales, technology, and healthcare.

Across major cities including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds, professionals are sitting on strong but underutilised skill sets. Experts warn that unless awareness and access to reskilling opportunities improve, the UK risks missing a major opportunity to address ongoing talent shortages.

Citrus Connect forecasts that between 7.8 and 8.2 million workers could actively seek new roles by the end of 2026. For employers, this shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity: access to a motivated talent pool ready to embrace change, provided the right support and guidance are in place.

Supporting the Next Wave of Career Changers: WorkFair 2025

For those considering a job or career change and developing skills to boost their job search, myGwork's WorkFair 2025, taking place next week on November 5th, offers a major opportunity to take the next step. The world’s largest virtual career fair of its kind, WorkFair connects early-career talent and students with inclusive employers worldwide.

Last year, the event attracted over 7,600 graduates from 122 countries, supported by more than 200 universities. This year’s event is expected to be even bigger, offering:

• AI-powered CV workshops to optimise applications
• Smart job-matching algorithms aligning candidates with roles that fit their skills and values
• Virtual reality employer booths for exploring workplace culture
• Instant interview scheduling, turning networking into real opportunities

Participants can also attend expert-led sessions, including:

• Belonging in Business: LGBTQ+ Pathways into Finance & Consulting
• Mentors Who Matter: Building Support for LGBTQ+ Career Growth
• Neurodivergent at Work: Thriving as Your Authentic Self
• Ask a Recruiter (2025 Edition): Interview with Confidence & Pride
• From Grad to Groundbreaker: LGBTQ+ Career Journeys & Advice
• CVs That Belong: Crafting Authentic Applications with AI

WorkFair 2025 is free to attend for all LGBTQ+ students, graduates, and allies, providing real-time job applications, networking opportunities, and practical career workshops designed to help candidates stand out in a competitive market.

Click here to register for WorkFair 2025 for FREE.