Migration experts are advising Brits who are struggling here to look to New Zealand where salaries will jump by a fifth.
Paul Arthur, director of The Emigration Group said: “Salaries for skilled workers in New Zealand are predicted to rise by an unprecedented amount, with workers seeing up to a $20,000 jump in their annual income. For skilled British workers who are struggling here, they could move to NZ for both more money and a better lifestyle.”
The global Robert Walters salary survey 2013 looked at last year's salaries and made predictions for this year for more than 120 positions - including permanent, interim and contract work in the country's two biggest cities.
In Auckland, the upper-end of tax accountants' salaries leapt from $100,000 a year last year to $120,000. And the expected salary range for financial controllers with more than six years' experience went from $120,000 to $180,000 last year, to a predicted $120,000 to $200,000 this year.
Paul Arthur said: "There are huge skills shortages in New Zealand and this is what's pushing up salaries, not just in the financial sector but across the board form construction workers to IT specialists and health professionals. Twin the jump in salaries with lower living costs and a better work life balance, and it's not hard to see why Brits are considering emigrating overseas.”
The UK now ranks eighth highest in the world in terms of its nationals living abroad and experts believe these migration levels are set to increase over the next few years.
Paul said: “With thousands of job opportunities, high salaries, a great way of life and a high chance of getting a visa if you have the right skills, there has never been a better time to emigrate and I can only see migration levels increase to New Zealand over the next few years.”
If anyone fancies taking on a successful business, a lovely home on Waiheke Island, Auckland, is currently on the market.
With stunning views over Hauraki Gulf, this three bed waterfront home (pictured) is home to 500 olive trees of Tuscan origin,that produce the award-winning Azzuro Olive Oil. It's for sale for NZ$4.5m through Savills.
For more information and advice on migrating down under, applying for residence visas and finding jobs, click here to visit www.emigrationgroup.co.uk or call 01244 321414.
