UK workers considering moving abroad for careers

News Article - 17 November 2010
Category: Business

According to research by telecommunications staffing provider Glotel, more than 55 per cent of the UK workforce are considering moving abroad, with 21 per cent thinking it will speed up their career progression. A further 38 per cent believe it will make them a more desirable candidate for future positions.

One in six (18 per cent) of respondents would like to take an opportunity abroad within five years, with one in 10 (9 per cent) expecting to do so within 10 years. Broken down geographically, Londoners were the most likely to seek foreign opportunities with 65 per cent considering relocating for career-related reasons. A further 83 per cent see a move abroad as advantageous for professional progression.

Generation Y males (aged 16-24) were the most likely to see relocation as a positive career path, with four out of five (80 per cent) willing to consider opportunities across the globe.

One in 10 (12 per cent) of UK workers have already worked abroad, whilst a further 8.5 per cent would do so only if asked by their current employer. A third (31 per cent) of British workers would not consider moving abroad for career-related reasons.

Lee Wilsher, managing director at Glotel, commented on the findings, "There is little doubt that in today's global economy, international experience makes a huge impact on a CV. For those willing to be upwardly mobile, there are opportunities across the globe that will allow for increased career progression."

Countries currently offering the best opportunities include Shanghai and Singapore, both of which have active markets offering great potential for the right candidates. South America - and particularly Argentina - is experiencing rapid growth in opportunities for foreign workers.

With so many workers willing to seek new opportunities, companies risk losing key talent if more is not done to recognise employee contributions and offer career progression. Regularly speaking to employees regarding training needs is one of the best ways firms can respond to disillusioned staff.

Access HR software allows staff to access and log training needs from a central online portal; managers can then view at a glance what individual employees require, saving time and providing the information necessary to support each employee in the right way.

For more information, please call Access on 0845 345 3000.

Article keywords: Glotel, emigration, Generation Y, international work experience, career progression, Access HR software, online self-service portal

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