More than half of jobseekers are unwilling to take up work if it involves a zero-hours contract, a new study has revealed.

A survey of 6,000 people by website totaljobs.com showed that only one in five would accept one of the controversial contracts, under which employees do not know if they have work from one week to the next.

A total of 52% would not take work on a zero-hours contract, saying they do not provide stability.

The research showed that two out of five were confident they would get a job within the next two months, a 5% increase on last year.

Only one in five said they would apply for any job, compared with one in three last year, showing that jobseekers are becoming more "discerning".

Almost half of those questioned said they would be prepared to relocate for work.

Ian Burke, director at totaljobs.com, said: "With the economy gathering pace and business confidence increasing, companies are hiring at the fastest rate on record.

"As a result, we're now beginning to see the balance of power shift from employers to candidates. Today's jobseekers are not just looking for any job, but for a job that will help them progress their career.

"On a positive note for employers, when candidates do find the right role, they will go to great lengths to secure it, with nearly half of jobseekers saying they are prepared to move across the UK to advance their career.

"Employers must work hard to attract candidates by investing in staff development and benefits packages to entice people from across the UK."