Recruiters who emigrate overseas prefer to do so with their current employer, according to research carried out by an Australian recruitment agency.

A better quality of life, a partner emigrating and work-life balance were the top three reasons given by 100 recruitment managers and consultants surveyed by the Turnaround Group.

Around 80% of those polled said that they looked to move overseas with their current company, because they were genuinely committed to their boss.

Ben Richardson, managing director for Turnaround Group, told Recruiter: "The Australian recruitment industry is an international leader rather than a follower and this is no doubt because of the diversity we have within the industry."

Although some respondents found themselves slipping into bad habits of extended hours, working at weekends and spending less time with the family, Australia's cost of living still ranks as being one of the most attractive in the world.

Recruiters questioned found the transition relatively easy, although around 20% said they had been disappointed by salaries and packages made available to them when they arrived.