UK workers are more willing to work abroad than nationals of any other country, according to a survey by research and consulting firm the Intelligence Group (IG).

The firm's new International Recruitment Manual and the survey findings were unveiled last week at a breakfast seminar for recruiters, hosted by StepStone.

IG researchers found 88% of UK workers would consider working abroad. This compares with the average of 62%. The lowest rating was in Denmark, at 46%. About 24% of UK workers looking to work abroad contact overseas recruitment agencies.

Yumi Stamet of IG, who co-wrote the manual, told the audience that findings also suggest Swedish workers want adventure most, while Germans want security and Italians want money.

Of 2,171 companies surveyed, 42% said that they recruit internationally. Only 5% said that the chance to find cheaper staff was the reason for doing so. More commonly, firms said they had local skills shortages, or looked abroad "because we are an international company".

Chris Dunn, who recruits for Marriott International, advised recruiters to use UK-based agencies with knowledge of Eastern Europe, when recruiting in the region. "Don't go it alone," he said.

Matthew Parker, of StepStone, told Recruiter the company would soon be making a low-cost version of its EasyCruit product available in the UK for smaller agencies. The system helps to screen candidates, and schedule interviews, and is currently being trialled in the Nordic countries.

Group signs NHS contract

A consortium of recruitment agencies has won a master vendor contract for up to three years to supply 27 professions to 18 health bodies in south-east England.

The Healthcare Employment Consortium (HEC) consists of Jennie Reeves Radiographers, Lifeline Personnel, Mediplacements, and JustPhysio & Just OT.

In addition to supplying staff through member agencies, HEC will co-ordinate the supply of staff through other agencies.

The work will include provision of temporary Allied Health Professionals, such as physiotherapists and dieticians; and Healthcare Sciences Services Staff, including optometrists and pharmacists.

The contract operates under the NHS PASA Framework agreement. It will serve the PRO-CURE member Trusts across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire from 4 December.