ONE IN three employees in Bolton plans to leave their current job in the next two years, despite most bosses thinking their workforce has never been so loyal.

A study carried out by Manchester Road property company MDA, questioned 150 company bosses and 450 members of staff, and found that employees are changing jobs as regularly as they change credit card, mortgage and home utility provider.

Despite the results, many workers claimed that they still enjoyed their job and got on well with their bosses.

But only 30 per cent of people considered work to be their main responsibility.

In contrast, company bosses believe that the majority of their workforce is happy and expect to still have more than 85 per cent of their current employees with them in five years.

"The key issue is that employers confuse happiness with loyalty," said Mark Evans, director at MDA.

"People are loyal but deeply unhappy at work and stay because the alternatives are limited or just as unattractive.

"At the same time, workers can be happy in their job but feel no close bond with the company. These people are known as 'serial switchers'.

"Companies are spending more and more money and time ensuring staff remain happy and healthy at work, so these statistics may come as a bit of a shock.

"The good news is that though many people say they plan to leave, most in fact end up staying where they are," added Mr Evans.