Migrant workers in China are favouring temporary employment, according to the results published from a new survey.

The Department of Sociology, working with Tsighua University, reported that this trend is especially prevalent within those workers who were born in the 1980s, as they prefer short contract durations and high mobility opportunities.

The reason for such changes has been accredited to dissatisfaction with employers, with 60 per cent saying this was the reason for leaving their permanent position.

Other problems facing migrant workers who are educated included the lack of opportunities to advance within a company, and the fact that their salaries do not increase.

A researcher from Tsinghua University told People Daily: "Due to their high expectation resulting from their high education background, the new generation of migrant workers is easier to conflict with limited opportunities in the labor market."

Migrant workers in China were also reported recently as being problematic, with the Financial Times saying that 30 or 40 per cent of them may not return to jobs after holiday seasons when they go home to visit family.