Teaching English abroad is becoming an increasingly popular escape route from the current recession, as the UK suffers its longest downturn since records began.

According to figures announced last Friday, the British economy shrunk by a further 0.4% during the third quarter of 2009. The statistics reveal that the UK is suffering its longest recession since records began in the 1950s.

As the British economy continues to contract, increasing numbers of people are realising the benefits of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) in providing an escape route from the current recession.

TEFL specialists i-to-i have reported a leap of 22% in visitors to its website this month compared with the same month last year, reflecting the massive increase in the numbers of people looking to teach English abroad.