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Survey shows highly-skilled professionals are relocating to the south east of the country for a better quality of life.

Survey shows highly-skilled professionals are relocating to the south east of the country for a better quality of life.

A new survey has found that highly-skilled professionals from all over the world are moving to the South East for a better work/life balance, career opportunities, shorter commutes to work, lower living costs and more disposable income.

The South East Relocation Survey,  was carried out by National Recruitment & HR Services Group Collins McNicholas in conjunction with IDA Ireland.
The report included responses from workers who have relocated from 20 different countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Spain, the US, the UK and beyond.A massive 95% of respondents say they now have a better balance between their working and home lives.

Since relocating to the South East - 86% have a work commute that is less than 40 minutes and 64% now have a commute less than 20 minutes.Interestingly, while 41.07% of those who moved back were originally from the South East, some 33% relocated from outside of Ireland.When asked about the factors that influenced their move to the South East, 86.36% cited a better quality of life while some 51% referenced being closer to family and friends.

The other main reasons given were: career opportunities, lower property prices, a reduced cost of living, less traffic and a safer environment.

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Among the survey's other key findings were:" The South East attracts highly-skilled professionals with 90% holding a Level 7 Ordinary Degree qualification" 53% have progressed their career and moved to a more senior role since relocating to the region" 64% of people who relocated are working in Waterford" Over three quarters of respondents have an increase in disposable income since relocating to the South East" 89% have bought or would consider buying property in the region" 75% find rental prices more reasonable compared to where they lived before.

In IDA client companies alone, there was a 9.2% increase in employment in the South East Region during 2017 - the highest growth rate of any region in Ireland, including Dublin.

Brendan McDonald, Regional Manager, South-East, IDA Ireland said, "Having moved back to the region last year after three years in the Midlands and two years in the West, I am delighted to be based in Waterford.     The region is home to 75 FDI companies employing circa 15,000 people and my role as IDA South East Regional Manager can take me from one end of the region to the other in any working day, a commute of less than 60 minutes, making the region very accessible."

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