There has been no mass exodus of Australians from the UK, according to new figures.

Following reports in The Times last week that the ‘exodus’ of Australian workers  was a symbol of Britain’s depressed economy, figures from the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship, show that 32,182 have returned home in the past year, compared with 34,301 between 2006 and 2007 and 33,555 between 2005 and 2006.

Jon Dunn, director at Arete, Verb’s senior placement arm, told Recruiter: “The economic situation in Australia is no better than here. They are facing the results of the economic downturn. It is not as if there are plenty of jobs in Australia and none here.

“In terms of the teachers, while there is in many subjects there is a surplus of teachers, in London, there is always a need for teachers. The Australians have tradtionally filled the gap that UK teachers cannot. They have continued to do this this year.”

Edward Taylor, a consultant at financial recruiter Alan Mitchell Financial Recruitment, adds: “I can’t say there has been any discernible difference in the number of Australian candidates we are seeing.”