Britain's much needed skilled workers and entrepreneurs are leaving to seek better life abroad

BRITAIN is rapidly losing its hard working middle income earners whose skills are needed in the UK according to a recent survey conducted by Global Visas, the leading immigration and relocation consultancy.

In what is the UK's largest ever poll of British nationals who have taken the decision to emigrate the extent of Britain's loss is revealed with almost 40% identified as skilled technicians and over 23% as the self-employed 'job creators', possessing entrepreneurial flair.

"The astonishing response clearly sees people taking this opportunity to tell Government why they left and to register their feelings.  They believe they have no choice but to seek a better life elsewhere." says Liam Clifford, CEO of Global Visas.

Over 40% gave job prospects as the main reason for leaving with 21% citing the cost of living in Britain as the second factor. Britain's poor economic outlook was also blamed by 13% and just over 11% gave the overall tax burden in the UK as a reason. Australia is the top destination for those leaving Britain.

The survey received 5,600 responses in just 5 days from those who have already taken the decision to leave the UK. Over half of those responding earned between £20,000- £100,000 with over 40% earning between £20,000-£50,000 and just under 10% earning between £50,000 and £100,000.

The survey was carried out by Global Visas at the request of Dominic Raab, Conservative MP for Esher and Walton, who was keen to seek current statistics on the reasons for people leaving the UK to inform government thinking.

"These trends are economically and socially debilitating. The' squeezed middle' are increasingly amongst those searching for a better life abroad. That is economically draining because they are net contributors of tax, and provide skills the economy needs." says Mr Raab.

Dingle Tunnel repairs contract signed

WORK is set to start on repairs to an underground tunnel which collapsed below homes in Liverpool.  The City Council has brokered a resolution to the outstanding legal issues, paving the way for work in the old Dingle Station on the Liverpool Overhead Railway to begin.  The work has been awarded to specialist engineering firm SES Contracting Ltd. who have significant experience in repairs of this nature.  Residents affected by the partial collapse of the tunnel in Dingle have had to live in temporary accommodation since the incident in July 2012 after it was deemed unsafe for them to return to their own homes.

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Paul Brant, said:- "I am delighted that we are finally in a position where work can shortly get underway to repair Dingle Tunnel. This has taken longer to finalise than we would have wished, but it was vital we made sure that residents were not left in a permanent legal limbo. It has been a dreadfully frustrating time for those affected, and I fully appreciate, understand and sympathise with them. This marks a significant milestone in our efforts to sort this difficult situation out, and I would like to thank residents for their support and patience while negotiations have continued. We will of course be keeping them updated on progress and let them know when we have a start date for the work."

A total of 11 properties were evacuated; e8 in Sundridge Street, 1 in Toxteth Grove and 2 in Dingle Grove.

An initial safety inspection will take place in the next few weeks, and on successful completion, the contractors will start the repair work.  It is estimated that the project will take at least 3 months to complete after it starts.