New life down under | Australia is eyeing up 31,000 UK workers. Can HR use benefits to prevent an exodus?

The UK’s current war for talent has been well documented, and HR leaders could have another battle looming, with tens of thousands of workers eyeing up a move abroad in search of higher pay and a more relaxed lifestyle.

Reports have surfaced in the last few days that officials from the state of Western Australia are aiming to recruit as many as 31,000 British and Irish workers, with a delegation from down under set to attend jobs fairs across the UK to flaunt the benefits of a new life, and new career, on the other side of the world.

Officials are particularly keen on headhunting key workers such as teachers, nurses and police officers. For example, nurses can typically earn more than £49,000 a year in Western Australia – 58% more than the UK average of just over £30,000.

Paul Papalia, the Police and Defence Industry Minister for the state of Western Australia, was quoted by the Mirror as saying: “I see a lot of cold but capable people, primed for an adventure and a pay rise in the land of opportunity, Western Australia.