Hour-plus commute too long for half of job seekers

Nick Elvin

Fifty per cent of job seekers would not consider applying for a job that involves a commute of more than 60 minutes, new research has found.

The survey, by digital marketing recruitment agency The Candidate, also showed that only 9% would commute to work if it took an hour and a half or more – whether via their own transport or by public transport.

The study looked into how widening candidate search areas has increasingly become a necessity in order to reach the best talent pool.

It reveals nearly all (92%) of those surveyed would be happy to move away from their hometown if offered a relocation package.

Brian Matthews, managing partner at The Candidate said: “By opening up positions to a greater amount of jobseekers, you can be sure you are reaching the best talent in your field and increase the likelihood of a good hire.

“Our research has found that half of prospective employees are only prepared to commute for an hour or less, which demonstrates why employers may need to introduce relocation packages to attract the right candidates.”

The survey follows a recent study by totaljobs.com which showed that only 31% of jobseekers would be happy to commute more than 20 miles for employment, while one in ten would travel more than 50 miles for work.