Late August always brings with it a crop of 'escapist' research as Britons return from their summer holidays to rain, traffic chaos and the same old job.
This year is no exception, with recruitment company Manpower reporting that eight out ten Britons would consider working abroad
According to the survey, many people are inspired in this thinking by their experiences on holiday and their growing awareness of European working (or should that be shirking) practices.
Surprise, surprise, almost a third of the 813 Manpower people surveyed said they would like 25 days minimum annual leave like Austrian, while one in three are keen on the French 35-hour maximum working week – unlike many French employers.
One in five said that they would like to have a Spanish-style afternoon siesta, while a further one in seven fancied 14 bank holidays a year, as is the case in Portugal.
Trying hard to put a serious spin on the findings, Manpower's Hazel Detsiny said: "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 have to get used to new ways of working - it's not a decision to be taken lightly."
