As is mirrored across much of the Eurozone economies, confidence and satisfaction in the UK economy remain low with the expat population. A third (36%) of expats in the UK believe that the economy is heading in the wrong direction, nearly double the global average (19%). Satisfaction with the UK economy is also low. Expats in the UK are almost twice as likely to feel dissatisfied with the current state of the economy (68%) than expats globally (37%) and of those that are looking to move away from the UK, half (48%) cite the rising cost of living as a reason for their departure and a further 44% blame the negative economic outlook for the UK - both of which are markedly higher than the global average.Despite the seemingly negative outlook, expats in the UK are resilient. Seven in ten (71%) expats in the UK are looking to stay long term and only 7% are actively looking to leave the country, echoing much of the sentiment of expats across Europe.
In terms of lifestyle, expats in the UK hold a much more positive outlook. The country is currently ranked 18th out of 31 countries in this year's Expat Explorer Experience league table, compared to 29th in 2011. High scores for integration have helped boost this year's score. Half of expats (49%) in the UK agree that it was easy for them to make local friends and only a quarter (26%) report spending more time with expat friends than locals. As a result, seven in ten expats in the UK (71%) feel they are integrating well within the local community and most (65%) feel welcomed at work.
Integration scores could be bolstered further by the ease with which expats are able to find love in the UK, with 48% of expats in the UK having found a life partner, compared to only a global average of one third (33%).
The jump in the Expat Experience league tables this year could have a lot to do with the rich cultural events having taken place over the past year, which have focused the world's gaze on the UK. The Royal Wedding of 2011, alongside the Golden Jubilee and summer of sport that took place throughout 2012 have emphasised the UK's rich cultural heritage. These events can help account for two thirds (65%) of expats in the UK who associate the country with being a culturally interesting place for them to live, and 58% enjoy the local entertainment.
