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By Rosamond Hutt, Community Newswire

The number of workers considering or taking a sabbatical has doubled, with many wanting to use the time off to volunteer, according to a survey published this month.

Almost one in four people planned to take a break from their jobs in the past year - up from 12% in 2006.

The survey of 1,000 workers, carried out for volunteering organisation Global Vision International (GVI), revealed one in six felt unfulfilled in their employment, often because they do not earn enough money or want more responsibility.

It also found that many are keen to do volunteering work, either on environmental projects or helping people less fortunate than themselves.

Andy Woods-Ballard, of GVI, said: "While it is worrying that so many people find their jobs unfulfilling, it is encouraging that people are developing a green conscience and wanting to volunteer to make a difference."

Workers aged between 34 and 44, especially single women, were most likely to complain of feeling unfulfilled in their employment.

GVI reported a rise in the number of people embarking on volunteering expeditions to areas including Latin America, Mexico, South Africa and the Seychelles to help on conservation and other projects.

Mr Woods-Ballard added: "It's interesting that those in the 34 to 44 age group were the most likely to feel unfulfilled at work as this is the age group that we are seeing the biggest rise in volunteers year on year.

"GVI volunteers often come back from their trip with a new lease of life, so volunteering is a fantastic option for those fed up with the monotony of the daily grind."


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