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Britain
Two million quit Britain in 'talent drain'
2013-01-23
Two million people of working age have left Britain over the last decade in a “drain of talent” that is damaging the economy and forcing employers to rely on immigrant workers, a senior Conservative has warned.

Nick de Bois, secretary of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs, said that Britain needs a “culture change” to stem the flow of talented emigrants by encouraging success.

Office for National Statistics figures obtained by Mr de Bois show that in the ten years to 2011, a total of 3,599,000 people permanently left the UK.

Contrary to the perception of the typical emigrants being older people retiring to a life in the sun, the figures show that 1,963,000 of those who left were aged between 25 and 44.

By contrast, only 125,000 people of retirement age emigrated.

“Our most economically active are leaving to apply their talents elsewhere,” the MP said, warning that talented Britons are being lured away to “growth economies” elsewhere in the world.

Many of those who are leaving are going to work for foreign-based pharmaceutical, aerospace, engineering and creative companies, Mr de Bois said.

He added: “Questions have to be asked as to why, even in a truly global economy where labour markets are relatively open, we here in the UK cannot hold onto our own home-grown, home-educated talent.”

Research for the Home Office last year found that almost half of all Britons who emigrate each year are professionals and company managers.

Some business leaders have blamed BritainÂ’s tax regime for encouraging skilled professionals and executives to leave.

Mr de Bois said tax does play a part in emigration, but suggested that culture is a more important factor, warning that Britain should encourage people to succeed and get rich, not criticise them.

Posted by:lotp

#10  That would be racist Ebbang.
Posted by: DarthVader   2013-01-23 12:51  

#9  #7, Iblis: SHHHHHHH!
Posted by: Canuckistan sniper   2013-01-23 12:43  

#8  Culture is the more important factor? That wouldn't have anything to do with the Paks, would it? As in multi-culture? You'd think somewhere, somebody might get a clue.
Posted by: Ebbang Uluque6305   2013-01-23 11:45  

#7  Canada is kicking ass these days.
Posted by: Iblis   2013-01-23 11:20  

#6  Strange, no mention of former sanctuaries and lands of opportunity; Deutsch-Südwestafrika, Rhodesia, South Africa, or the United States.
Posted by: Besoeker   2013-01-23 10:17  

#5  Amongst people I know.
Canada
Australia
Singapore
Switzerland
Hong Kong
Thailand
about 1/2 have gone abroad (all degree owners).
Posted by: Bright Pebbles   2013-01-23 09:25  

#4  "Where did they go?"
In the case of Britain, largely to Canada and Australia. I hear they're hiring.
Posted by: ed in texas   2013-01-23 07:30  

#3  Plenty of my friends left within this time frame . Ill be going next year . Horrible place to live nowadays ,especially in cities .
Posted by: Ebbiling Angereper3767   2013-01-23 07:27  

#2  Not to worry, they are replaced by Pakistanis: who, since all people are equal---shut up racists, are just as good.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru   2013-01-23 02:01  

#1  Ahm packin my bags.
Where did they go?
Posted by: Slolurong Angasing4343   2013-01-23 00:19  

00:00