'Talent drain' as workers seek jobs abroad

The number of UK professionals choosing to work abroad is on the increase, according to a new report.

The NatWest International Personal Banking (IPB) Quality of Life Report, undertaken in conjunction with the Centre for Future Studies, surveyed over 1,000 British expats from all over the globe and found that, out of the 200,000 Britons who left the UK to live abroad in 2006, two thirds left to work overseas.

The findings also showed that 42% were professionals or managers, and 43% made the move on the request of their employer. The results also suggested that the typical expat has a professional career, is 43 years-old, and earns an average salary of £67,000.

Dave Isley, head of NatWest IPB said: "The study demonstrates the popularity among Britons working abroad, particularly those who are highly skilled. This trend will increase as countries continue to seek out the talents of British workers and entice them to foreign climes with career opportunities and the chance to experience life abroad."

Yet one of the main reasons for moving abroad wasn't actually due to the lack of jobs in the UK; it would seem it was the lure of a better job overseas, seeing as only 4% of expats surveyed believed the UK provided a lack of career opportunities. Plus, a whopping 90% stated that they were financially better off abroad compared to living in the UK.

HR Zone, 9-May-2008
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