Based on a survey of just over 1,000 people, the BBC has found that the number of people hoping to live abroad in the future has increased significantly.
The survey, conducted by ICM Research, interviewed a random sample of 1002 adults across the country aged 18+ by telephone between 28 and 30 July 2006. While the majority had considered emigration (roughly the same as a similar poll in 2003), the number hoping to move in the near future has almost doubled (to 13%).
Mainly younger people, this proportion of respondents cited a better quality of life, better weather and a feeling that the UK is too expensive as the main reasons for wanting to leave sooner rather than later. The BBC also reported that 12% "did not like what the UK had become" while one in 10 said they already had friends or family overseas.
The most popular choices for emigration were Australia, Spain, Canada, New Zealand and the US. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently found that emigration numbers are rising, with 350,000 leaving in 2004 (up a third on ten years). These findings were highlighted by HIFX recently, which identified an exodus of tradespeople to these destinations.
The BBC also highlighted a new project being undertaken by the Institute of Public Policy Research which is trying to count as many expats as possible in a project running through 2006 (the results can be viewed on the BBC News website at the end of the year).
While the IPPR already claims that 54% have contemplated moving overseas, an earlier survey from 2004 indicates that Brits tend to return after two years because they haven't got ot grips with the language.
One solution is to live abroad while still working in the UK of course. This new option is becoming far more popular, according to a recent report from Thomson Holidays, which claimed that more people will use their overseas home as a primary residence and commute into the UK during a shorter working week or month.
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