Almost 80 per cent of staff in a new survey said they would accept a pay cut if it helped their employers survive the recession, writes AMANDA PHELAN.

AN ARCHITECT willing to take a cut in annual income from €70,000 to €25,000. An events manager willing to work in administration and take a few steps backwards on the career ladder. A secretary volunteering for a 10 per cent pay cut.

These are the human stories behind a new survey revealing workers’ flexibility when it comes to making concessions in order to keep their jobs.

And if willingness is what it takes to get us through the recession, we’ve got it in spades, according to the survey, carried out by office recruitment firm Top People and due to be publicly released next week.

Almost 80 per cent of receptionists, secretaries, administrators, accounts staff and customer service personnel taking part in the survey say they are willing to take a cut in pay if it helps their employers get through the recession.

For some, taking a step down the career ladder and swapping job security for contract work is the way to go.

For example, Paula Keating, from Bray, Co Wicklow, is a former events manager with a stable employment history, good references and an impressive career track record.

“Two years ago I wouldn’t have budged on things like working full time, staying on the southside of Dublin and my annual salary of €40,000,” says Keating, who was made redundant last month.

“Now I’m looking at working on contract in a sales admin role, and if it’s within 1½ hours’ travel I’ll take it.”

Keating says she will take a €5,000 pay cut in the new job she may be able to get. “But I’ve got a mortgage, and there’s just not much going in event management.”

In the past, Keating spent her days performing tasks such as organising award ceremonies and parties. Now, she is considering working in administration for a pharmaceutical company.

But she is not letting herself get demoralised, and is philosophical about the new workplace environment. “In ways I’m lucky because we don’t have kids. At least I’m getting offers. But I don’t think I’ll get what I really want ever again,” says the 36-year-old.

The survey results show the potential for changes to the structure as well as the style of the workplace, says Top People business manager Riona McIlraith.

“People are more willing to work on contract, earn less, or do a job they did a few years back,” she says.

“Last week I’d an architect on our books who had been getting €70,000 a year willing to take a job paying €25,000. People will do whatever it takes just to stay employed.”

Almost 700 people took part in the survey. Key findings included: 82 per cent of candidates were willing to work longer hours; 94 per cent were happy to take on extra responsibilities outside their job description; and 78 per cent were willing to take a reduction in pay.

“Office staff are trying to tell their employers that they understand their difficulties and want to help,” says McIlraith.