We have good reason to believe that 2011 is going to be a bumper year for UK exits, as more and more Britons become increasingly dissatisfied with what’s on offer to them in Great Britain. From retirees to professional couples, increasing numbers of UK citizens realise that there is more on offer for them if they move to live abroad.
A recent expat survey from HSBC into the best countries in the world to raise third generation children, (i.e. expat kids), placed Britain firmly in last place – adding just one more demographic to the list of those looking for a better life abroad – i.e., British families who want the best for their children.
If you’re contemplating your options as we head towards the Christmas and New Year celebrations, and you want some food for thought about why you could be better off moving to live abroad in 2011, discover the top 10 reasons why we think more Britons than ever will be looking overseas for a new life next year.
1) Britain is trying to tax us out of recession
From VAT hikes to an increase in tax for higher earners, from sneaky National Insurance Contribution increases to more tax on fuel and luxuries - the government in the UK is taking more and more out of the average worker’s pocket every single month, and giving nothing back in return.
2) The government is slashing spending
Goodbye child benefit, goodbye social support for many who truly need it, goodbye any form of fall back security we once had as a nation at a time when more and more people are out of work. In other words, for the increased tax you’re paying, you’re not even getting greater emotional security should you lose your job in these tough times.
3) Cuts means no investment – no investment means Britain will go backwards
When it snows the country grinds to a halt because there has been no investment in key infrastructure support. Going forward, there will be less money invested into the infrastructure of this country, so as wear and tear erode, so Great Britain will go backwards in terms of its offerings. This will have a negative and direct knock on effect to everything from road and rail links to the NHS meaning that Britain will become a worse country to live in.
4) The current coalition is not working…
Which could mean we all have to endure another election sooner rather than later. Who can stomach all those opinion polls and non-stop news about party politics!
5) Apparently we’re in for more frozen winters
According to Dr Patrick McSharry from Oxford University’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, data indicates that Britain may face several more extreme winters in years to come. However, the UK doesn’t have the money to invest to keep Britain moving when it freezes, so we’re all going to have to get used to disrupted travel plans and not being able to commute to work or travel further afield in the winter!
6) Unemployment in the UK is rising
The consolidation and cuts are beginning to bite as unemployment figures rise. Yet, we are still suffering financially as a nation, so how many more jobs will be culled before we’re back from the brink?
7) Other countries have jobs, career prospects, affluence and sustainability – what’s more, other countries can cope with their weather patterns!
Nations as diverse as Qatar and Australia, Canada and Germany all have stronger economies than ours, they have economic backbones built on sustainability, they are demanding foreign skilled workers to move to live and work there, and they offer many positive benefits.
You have tax-free salaries (in Qatar), fantastic weather (in Australia), an inimitable lifestyle (in Canada) and ease of entry and integration (in Germany).
What’s more, in Canada and Germany when it snows, the nations keep on moving. Trains still run on time in Germany, planes get off the ground in Canada. And in Australia and Qatar where it can get just too hot, they have air conditioning!
In Conclusion
Not only are there so many reasons to take a break from the UK right now, there are many more reasons in favour of seeking out a new, more profitable, more enjoyable and ultimately better life abroad. Why not make 2011 the year when you take a deep breath and launch yourself into a brand new life overseas…