Brits long for the expat life

More
than 80 per cent of Brits would consider working
abroad, according to research.

And
the study, by recruitment company Manpower, shows that for many people their
holidays abroad give them a taste for European working practices. Almost a
third of the 813 people surveyed said they’d like 25 days minimum annual leave,
like our Austrian counterparts.

Almost
30 per cent would like to adopt the French working style of a 35-hour maximum
working week, 19 per cent of those surveyed would like to see Spanish-style
afternoon siestas introduced to their working environment, and a further 17 per
cent would choose to have 14 bank holidays a year, as is the case in Portugal.

Hazel
Detsiny, director at
Manpower, says: "Many people travel during the summer, often giving them an insight into the work cultures
of our European neighbours. 

With the recent EU expansion there has been increased awareness of the possibilities of working abroad.  However, people should remember that foreign working might not be plain sailing. People have
to overcome language and cultural
barriers, have to make new friends, and have to get used to new ways of working
– it’s not a decision to be taken lightly."

By Quentin Reade

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