British workers dream - 03/2001

Four out of five British workers would like to work elsewhere: Cornwall is Britain's favourite place to work, London is second: property prices are the number one obstacle:

Four out of five British workers would prefer to pursue their career elsewhere in the country, reveals new research commissioned by the recruitment website Fish4Jobs. A quarter would like to work in the calm environment of Cornwall, with 24% preferring the excitement of our capital city London.

The research also reveals the importance of age as a factor in choosing where to work. Younger workers were most likely to want to work in major cities, with 56% of the 16-24 year old group preferring this option. 33% of the 25-34 age group also favoured big cities.

However, older age groups were most likely to favour a move to the countryside or small villages. This was most apparent in the over 55 age group, with two thirds favouring this option. Suburbs were unpopular with all age groups, attracting only 6% of the entire population.

The main motives of the dissatisfied workers were varied. 46% hoped to escape a stressful environment, whilst 36% were attracted by the idea of a busier and more varied social life. Over a third felt that a different area would benefit their children, and 34% believed it would help them advance their career.

The main impediment to workers wanting to move was found to be the costs of property in other areas, cited by 42% of those interviewed. Almost as many respondents (41%) feared that they would not be able to find a job in the area they favoured. The third major obstacle to a move was family ties in the area where they currently worked.

www.fish4jobs.co.uk