topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2238.23 -1.43
DAX 6682.76 -1.56
IBEX 30 8781.1 -1.36
CAC 40 3381.08 -1.27
FTSE 100 5850.82 -0.76
AEX 320.23 -1.50
DJIA 12781.93 -0.84
Nasdaq 2905.71 -0.74
FTSE MIB 16421.79 -1.39
TSX Composite 12342.04 -1.25
ASX 4322.6 -0.79
Hang seng 20783.86 -1.08
Straits Times 2960 -0.71
ISEQ 20 501.74 -0.39
You are here: Home News Community News France tops Europe for quality of life, Britain worst

Community News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


22/10/2009France tops Europe for quality of life, Britain worst



British workers can expect to spend three years longer at work and die two years younger than their French counterparts, while they pay above the European average for fuel, food, alcohol and cigarettes, the study by uSwitch.com said.

London -- France has the best quality of life out of Europe's biggest countries, while Britain has the worst despite having the highest incomes, a study said last week.

British workers can expect to spend three years longer at work and die two years younger than their French counterparts, while they pay above the European average for fuel, food, alcohol and cigarettes, the study by uSwitch.com said.

The consumer website used existing research from different sources to compare 17 lifestyle factors in France, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Italy, Sweden, Ireland and Britain.

It revealed that Britain had the highest net household income -- at 35,730 pounds a year it is 10,000 pounds (16,000 dollars, 11,000 euros) above the European norm -- but much of this is spent on a higher cost of living.

Britain is the second most expensive country in Europe for unleaded petrol, while diesel is 20 percent above the European average. Food also costs more and only Ireland and Sweden pay more for a round of drinks.

Poland has the longest working hours but its holiday allowance is also among the highest, while British workers put in an average 37 hours each week but have the lowest holiday entitlement.

Britain is also near the bottom of the rankings when it comes to health and education spending as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP), has a below average life expectancy -- and enjoys far less sunshine.

By contrast, the French retire earlier, live longer and have more paid holiday than the average across the 10 countries. While they earn less, they have some of the lowest food, alcohol, electricity and gas prices.

"We earn substantially more than our European neighbours, but this level of income is needed just to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table and our homes warm," said Ann Robinson, head of consumer policy at the British firm.

"It's giving us a decent standard of living, but it's not helping us achieve the quality of life that people in other countries enjoy."

The report warned that Britain's quality of life was likely to fall further because of the recession, which has pushed unemployment to nearly 2.5 million and will likely result in public spending cuts.

AFP/Expatica


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Jobs in France

IFAs / FSIs / Country Managers / Confidential Introducers

Immigration and Legal Problems

Blocked Sewer Line outside property boundary - who pays ?

Sporting Events in France

Counter Strike!

Community Noticeboard France | Expat Events

migration to belgium!

Americans in France

Expatriate Events in Paris

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Management culture in France

Management culture in France

This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes information on business hierarchy, negotiations, and etiquette.

American associations and clubs in Paris

American associations and clubs in Paris

A listing of organizations in the Paris area that cater primarily to Americans living in France. Updated April 2011.

British associations and clubs in Paris

British associations and clubs in Paris

Our handy guide to the British community in Paris, from cricket clubs to Scottish country dancing lessons to where to find a jar of Marmite.

Anglophone services in France

Anglophone services in France

Here's a short introduction to our Banking section for those living in France, from how to open a bank account to Islamic banking and investments.