Workers in the Public Sector are prepared to be flexible if it will stop their colleagues losing their jobs, according to a survey of over 2,500 people by the independent campaign Keep Britain Working.

The survey revealed that 95 per cent of workers in Public Sector roles would accept changes in their working conditions to help colleagues keep their jobs. 49 per cent would accept a reduction in hours and 23 per cent would accept a cut in pay, although this is the lowest score in any sector. However, like the rest of the UK, if bosses asked for sacrifices without making any themselves, 3 per cent of Public Sector workers would strike.

Across the UK half of all workers would accept short-time working, 29 per cent would accept a pay cut without reducing hours, 31 per cent would lose benefits, 6 per cent would accept a 3-month unpaid sabbatical, and 19 per cent accept a sabbatical on 30 per cent pay. Three out of five would take on extra responsibilities, while 48 per cent would change their role entirely if it kept their colleagues in work.

The survey also revealed that people are full of innovative and effective ways to help employers cope with the downturn other than by simply cutting jobs. Over 400 ideas, practical examples and advice have already been submitted to the Keep Britain Working website www.keepbritainworking.com since it was set up last month.