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Better jobs abroad are luring increasing numbers of British nationals overseas, a report by NatWest International's personal banking service has revealed.

Looking at the quality of life experienced by British citizens, the survey found nearly 200,000 people left the UK in 2006 with more than two thirds doing so in order to work. Of the 1114 surveyed, nearly four out of 10 - 42 per cent - were professionals of managers, and a further quarter were in other jobs.

Results suggest the typical expat is no longer necessarily a retiree as over half - 57 per cent - are aged 43 with an average salary of £67,000.

One of the biggest motivations for emigrating was the lure of better jobs abroad as only 4 per cent of those questioned thought the UK market provided a lack of career opportunities. More than four out of 10, or 43 per cent, moved overseas on the instigation of their employer. However, more than half of "highly skilled" ex pats do return to the UK despite 90 per cent considering their quality of life was better abroad.

Dave Isley, head of NatWest International's personal banking, said this trend of moving overseas was likely to continue as British citizens sought out new opportunities.

He said: "Whether it is a permanent move, or for a short period of time, it seems working abroad is an opportunity increasingly open to employees."

In a report by the World Bank, Britain was cited as having the most skilled workers travelling abroad for career purposes than any other country. In the past 25 years, 1.38m skilled British citizens have moved abroad for work purposes.