Weak UK job prospects push workers to consider moving overseas

Weak UK job prospects push workers to consider moving overseas

UK job vacancies recently fell to their lowest level since the pandemic, whilst UK unemployment recently hit a five year high. With many across the UK struggling to find work in the current economic climate, it is no surprise that some have decided to look at options to live and work abroad.

But where are Brits most keen to start a new life abroad?


To understand this growing appetite for relocation, experts at Cargo Force analysed search trends across 40 major global cities, looking at queries like “moving to (city)”, “how much to move to (city)” and “how to move to (city)” to reveal the most in-demand destinations for Brits feeling the UK. 


Where Brits are fleeing: 10 most in-demand cities for Brits moving abroad revealed

Rank	City	Average monthly moving searches	Average yearly moving searches
1	Amsterdam	750	9,000
2	Singapore	720	8,640
3	New York	540	6,480
4	Sydney	490	5,880
5	Perth	390	4,680
6	Hong Kong	350	4,200
7	Brisbane	320	3,840
8	Melbourne	310	3,720
9	Paris	300	3,600
10	Berlin	210	2,520

*The full data set is available here.

Amsterdam is leading the charge, pulling in an average of 750 monthly “move to” searches – equivalent to a whopping 9,000 searches annually – just edging out Singapore. The Dutch capital has recently been named the easiest city for Brits to relocate to in Europe, thanks to its high English proficiency and a strong job market, with around 42 vacancies per 1,000 people.

Singapore ranks as the most popular Asian destination Brits want to move to, attracting roughly 8,640 yearly “move to” searches. Known for its low crime rate, low-tax environment and high quality of life, the Southeast Asian city continues to lure Brits seeking both career opportunities and a lifestyle upgrade.

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Not far behind is New York City (6,480 annual searches), proving the Big Apple still has a serious hold on Brits dreaming of a big lifestyle switch. 

And if it feels like everyone you know is suddenly talking about Australia, you’re not imagining it, Sydney (5,880 yearly searches), Perth (4,680 yearly searches), Brisbane (3,840 yearly searches) and Melbourne (3,720 yearly searches) all feature in the top 10, making the country one of the most sought-after regions overall. With its warmer climate, strong work-life balance and world-renowned beaches, it’s no surprise these cities are particularly appealing to Brits seeking a sunnier lifestyle.

Hong Kong also ranks prominently, with 4,200 yearly searches, making it the second Asian city in the top 10 and reflecting a growing willingness among Brits to consider more ambitious, long-haul moves.

Closer to home, there’s still strong interest in European favourites like Paris  (3,600 annual searches), Berlin (2,520 annual searches) and Lisbon (1,800 annual searches), suggesting Brits are weighing up sunshine and lifestyle perks without straying too far. 

Asad Mirza, Logistics Specialist at Cargo Force provides expert insight into why these destinations are so in demand.

“Search demand around moving abroad gives a really clear picture of where Brits are actively considering relocating, not just where they aspire to travel. What we’re seeing is a mix of lifestyle-led and opportunity-led destinations, with cities like Amsterdam and Singapore offering a balance of career prospects, quality of life, and international connectivity.

“There’s also a noticeable spread across continents, from European hubs like Paris and Berlin to long-haul destinations such as Sydney and New York City. And what’s particularly interesting is the consistent interest in cities across Asia and Latin America, including Hong Kong and Rio de Janeiro, pointing to a growing appetite for more diverse cultural experiences, as well as the rise of remote and flexible working, which is making international moves more accessible than ever.

“As global mobility continues to evolve, we expect this demand to grow, with more people exploring opportunities abroad not just as a long-term goal, but as a realistic next step.”