Morale among British scientists is at rock bottom because of poor promotion
prospects, short-term contracts and job insecurity. This is the message
from 1100 members of the Institution of Professionals, Managers and Specialists
who responded to a questionnaire in the union’s bulletin.
Fifteen per cent of respondents are seeking a job outside science and
technology. One-third said that they would advise children against a career
in science. Two-fifths of respondents want to work elsewhere.
‘Absolute frustration is the main message – public sector science is
a dead end,’ said Sarah Goodall of the IPMS.
