A new survey has revealed that a record number of Brits would be willing to move abroad to work.The survey of 6,500 employees across the country found that 62 per cent would be willing to move to another country for work – an 18 per cent increase since a similar survey was conducted in 2014. The Brexit vote in the EU referendum two years ago was considered the main reason behind the steep rise.

A threat to the UK's talent pool

"This (is) posing a significant threat to the country’s existing talent pool as more workers are tempted to leave the UK than migrate within it," said Totaljobs.Previous research by the company identified a desire to broaden personal experiences as the main motivator behind Britons' desire to relocate, with the US favoured by almost a third of respondents as the country they would most want to move to.The latest survey also found that 50.4 per cent of the British workforce would be open to relocating within the UK for work, with London, Manchester and Edinburgh voted as the most desirable places to live in the UK.A chance of a better lifestyle was identified by 42 per cent of respondents as the main reason to move, followed by improved employment opportunities (38 per cent) and the chance of living in a more desirable area (32 per cent).

London still top of the list to migrate to

The new research came in the wake of Totaljobs’ Global Talent Survey - reported by relocatemagazine.com in June - in which London was adjudged to be the most desirable city in the world for talent migration in a survey of 400,000 workers across the globe."London’s enduring attractiveness to workers shows no signs of slowing down as it remains the top city to live and work in the UK, retaining its position as the business, financial and cultural capital of the UK," said Totaljobs."London was closely followed by Manchester and Edinburgh in terms of attractiveness. While big cities dominate the top 10, the UK’s second largest city, Birmingham, trailed behind as the sixth most attractive, beaten by less populated cities Brighton and Glasgow."The report said that "somewhat surprisingly" housing affordability was at the bottom of the priority list of workers willing to relocate within the UK, with just eight per cent saying such a consideration was their top priority.

Better employment opportunities an increasing lure

"Interestingly, with UK employers reporting a skills shortage impacting their recruitment efforts, the research revealed that 70 per cent of people are more likely to relocate when securing a job with a new employer, as opposed to as part of a move with their current employer," added Totaljobs.Mike Booker, international director of Totaljobs, said, "Across the country workers are willing to relocate for better employment opportunities, which is a really positive message for employers looking to attract new talent."The results of our survey demonstrate the fluidity of talent migration within the UK, and the current talent pool available to British bosses."However, employers need to be aware of the growing desire amongst UK workers to relocate overseas and must ensure they're prepared to offer competitive benefits, a healthy work-life balance and skills training to ensure they attract and retain top talent."Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory 

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