50% of Brits say accepting a job abroad is easier with advances in technology

Skype survey defines changing attitudes to staying in touch and announces launch of Skype from your home phone

To celebrate the launch of Skype from your home phone Skype has commissioned research into changing communication habits. Half of Brits would have no problem working overseas as they know it is easy to stay in touch with loved ones here in the UK, new research has revealed. However, spare a thought for those left behind, as only 48% could recall their parents' home phone number off the top of their head and even fewer (12%) are able to recall their parents' mobile phone number.

The UK survey of 2,000 people, which was commissioned by Skype and conducted by Opinion Matters to coincide with the launch of Skype from your home phone - a new line of products that enable the use of Skype from your home phone, has revealed that advances in technology have removed one of the main worries of many thinking about moving abroad.

When asked whether the fact that it is now so much easier to keep in contact with friends and family back home would mean they would be more willing to accept a job offer and move abroad, 50% of respondents either strongly agreed or slightly agreed. This is more likely in younger people, with 60% of 16-24 year olds and 61% of 25-34 year olds open to this lifestyle choice. Respondents from the North East were the biggest homebodies, with only 9% expressing a strong desire to move overseas for work, whilst those in London were the keenest (20%).

The research has also revealed that our connections abroad have increased over the past ten years - meaning that we have had to find new ways to stay in touch. According to our UK survey, 69% of us now have one or more friends or relatives living abroad, an increase of over 21% since 2001 (57%). Fortunately, an overwhelming 98% of people felt that technological advances have meant that it's easier to keep in contact with friends and family members abroad much more than ever before.

Enrico Noseda, Head of Market Development for Europe, Middle East and Africa said of the findings, "Attitudes towards keeping in touch internationally are changing. At Skype, our mission is to make Skype available everywhere so users can enjoy their conversations whenever and wherever they are. With the launch of Skype from your home phone, we are continuing to make it even easier for consumers to enjoy conversations in the home, whether on Skype-enabled TVs, Skype for Windows or Mac, and now via a Skype-ready cordless phone or the FREETALK Phone Adapter."