An expert has stated that job security and career development are just as important as a good salary.

People planning to start up a recruitment agency may be interested to note that despite salary being important, job security is just as vital when it comes to employment, according to the Recruitment Society.

A recent Harris Interactive survey conducted on behalf of the Metro newspaper revealed that many workers rate a good salary highly as far as motivating them is concerned.

However, despite not being surprised by the finding, Steve Huxham, chairman of the Recruitment Society, said: "Job security, prospects, career development and further training et cetera, are equally important."

"With all these sorts of surveys, salary is just one thing. If you delved and did more detailed analysis, I suspect that most people would not look at salary alone in uncertain times," he added.

The Metro poll revealed that people in the south-west enjoy a particularly laid-back working life as one-third is normally home by 16:00GMT.

By comparison, only one in 25 Londoners are home by this time.