More than three in five employers say they have noticed an increase in questions during interviews from job candidates around their record and plans on sustainability.

The survey also reveals that three quarters of workers say they would not apply to work for a firm that “tried to look more environmentally friendly than they actually were”.

Half of workers say they are sceptical about sustainability efforts by businesses.

The survey has been published by recruitment firm Totaljobs in its latest Hiring Trends Index, which includes the views of 3,000 workers and 1,000 HR leaders in firms.

It said that the findings show that "transparency is proving essential in attracting employees as greenwashing starts to deter jobseekers".

Barriers to green jobs within firms is also looked at in the survey, with three quarters of employers reporting less diversity in applicants for such roles, which include environmental technicians, agricultural experts, wind turbine technicians and green construction managers.

A third of workers said they would need to take a pay cut to take a sustainability role in a firm. Just under a quarter say they don’t have the right skills or experience for green roles.

“This may be why 18% of businesses that are hiring for green roles are facing difficulties in acquiring these skills,” said Totaljobs.

Stepstone Group chief people officer Natalie said that “Integrating authentic environmental, social, and governance principles into a business’s people strategy is crucial in attracting and retaining talent”.

She added: "Our research shows that employees are increasingly looking to work for companies that align with their values and are open to having honest conversations about these during the recruitment process.

“Therefore, having a strong ESG strategy will ensure your more attractive to potential candidates as well as help retaining current employees.”

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