Majority of workers say job hunting is difficult – YouGov

53% of workers in the UK said it was difficult to find a job, while only 31% said it was easy, according to data from YouGov. 

Just 4% said it was very easy to find a job, 27% fairly easy, 36% fairly difficult, and 17% very difficult. 

Confidence was lowest among younger adults, with 74% of 18 to 24-year-olds describing the job market as difficult.

Only 2% of 18 to 24-year-olds said it was very easy to find a job, compared to 5% of those aged 50 to 64 and 4% of over 65s. 

33% of 18 to 24-year-olds said it was very difficult, compared to 19% of those aged 25 to 49, 16% aged 50 to 64, and 9% for over 65s.

William Stokes, CEO at Co-space, said: “The job market may be tough, but flexibility is giving people control again. 

“We’re seeing professionals from every sector choosing to freelance, consult or start their own businesses, and flexible workspaces are at the heart of that shift. 

“You no longer have to wait for the right job; you can create your own.”

Stokes added: “Flexibility fuels mobility. People can move from employment to entrepreneurship without losing community or collaboration. 

“Co-working hubs provide the infrastructure that makes that possible, they’re modern economic engines connecting talent, ideas and opportunity.

“The future of work isn’t just remote, it’s dynamic. Professionals want choice, flexibility and freedom.”

He said: “The challenge for businesses is to adapt and harness this flexibility rather than resist it.

“Treat freelancing like a pilot project, it’s about validating demand and your personal readiness before going all in.

“Your network becomes your net worth, co-working hubs are ideal because they give you instant access to collaborators, clients, and community.”

He added: “People buy expertise, not generalists. The clearer you are about your offer, the faster you’ll grow.” 

“Financial flexibility means predictability, knowing your base costs gives you freedom to focus on growth.

“Visibility builds credibility. The moment you show up consistently, opportunities start to find you.”