European labour market mobility

22 July 2010 - A new Eurobarometer survey, executed under the supervision of the European Commission, recently released, sheds light on Europeans' attitudes to worker mobility. The survey found that:

• Most Europeans think moving countries or regions is good for EU integration, half think it's good for the economy, labour market and individuals, but fewer think it's good for families.
• 10% of Europeans say they have lived abroad for work either within or outside the EU at some point in their lives, while 13% have done so for education and training. 41% know a friend of relative who has either worked or studied abroad.
• 17% of Europeans envisage working abroad in the future, ranging from 51% in Denmark to just 4% in Italy. 34% of Europeans rate the chances of finding a job abroad better than at home.
• Unemployment is a powerful reason to move: 48% of Europeans would consider moving regions or countries for work if they lost their job.

Source:  Expat Group