Auf Wiedersehen, Pet? Manpower reveals 8 in 10 workers would work abroad

Some 82% of Brits would consider working abroad, according to research released today by Manpower, the UKís leading recruitment company.

With summer drawing to a close, Manpower has conducted research to find out whether people would think about working in a foreign country and which working practices from other European countries people would most like Britain to adopt.

It seems that for many people their holiday abroad gives them a taste for more - with almost a third of the 813 people surveyed said theyíd like 25 days minimum annual leave, like our Austrian counterparts. A further 27% would like to adopt the French working style of a 35-hour maximum working week

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 get used to new ways of working - itís not a decision to be taken lightly.

The research also shows that a sleepy 19% of those surveyed would most like to see Spanish-style afternoon siestas introduced to their working environment and a further 17% would choose to have 14 bank holidays a year, like in Portugal.

Hazel continues: People are travelling abroad more than ever, exposing them to different work practices and cultures. The results of this survey show that employees are interested in alternative work practices. Employers need to flexible in their approach when putting together benefits packages and looking at motivating employees.