More than 13 million UK workers possess transferable skills to change careers but 'lack the confidence to do so', according to a recruitment expert.

New insight from direct sales recruitment firm Citrus Connect reveals that, despite possessing the core skills to transition into new careers, millions of UK workers feel trapped in careers that no longer satisfy them.

The research found 42% of UK employees feel stuck in their current roles, while 28% are uncertain about how to move into new industries.

More than one in five (21%) of UK workers plan to change careers in the next 12 months, citing the pursuit of better salaries, improved work-life balance and increased job satisfaction. But confidence remains their biggest obstacle.

Six point eight million people (20% of the UK's working population) lack the confidence to pursue a career change, according to a survey by City & Guilds StandOut CV.

This lack of confidence is often attributed to factors such as financial insecurity, age-related concerns and parental responsibilities.

Data shows that 72% of workers underestimate how transferable their skills are, with communication, adaptability and problem-solving topping the list of underused strengths.

According to Citrus Connect, this lack of awareness represents a missed opportunity both for individuals and the UK economy, where vacancies in high-growth industries continue to outpace available talent.

Based on current labour market trends, it is forecast that between 7.8 and 8.2 million workers will actively seek new careers in 2026. But, without the right structures in place to boost confidence and highlight transferable skills, many professionals risk getting stuck in a rut and not reaching their full potential.

Leena Parmar, founder of Citrus Connect, said: "In the UK, the most in-demand transferable skills identified by employers include strong communication, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, digital literacy and organisational abilities such as time management. Employers also place high importance on critical thinking, leadership, initiative and resilience."

She continued: "Workers are often held back by self-doubt, financial risk and insufficient support.

"Many people don't realise that the so-called 'soft skills' they use every day are in fact some of the most powerful assets when it comes to transitioning into new, higher-paid roles. Skills like negotiation, leadership, problem-solving, resilience and emotional intelligence are not only transferable, but essential across industries such as sales, project management, healthcare leadership, technology consultancy and financial services.

"The challenge is that workers often undervalue these abilities, seeing them as natural traits rather than professional strengths. Once individuals recognise the weight these skills carry in roles with higher earning potential, they open the door to career paths they may never have considered possible."