The UK’s next generation could apply their talents elsewhere if their desire for a better work/ life balance is not supported by UK employers, according to research by international IT solutions provider, Logicalis.

The survey, looking at the attitudes of 13-17 year olds, revealed that 81% of this generation have already thought about their work/life balance, with 75% stating an intention to work abroad at some point in their careers.

It found that 11% of those questioned were already sure that they would seek alternative employment if their employer asked them to put work before their family.

Tom Kelly, managing director, Logicalis UK, says: “Gordon Brown recently re-emphasised the importance of realising the talents of all our people, in his vision of Britain as the great global success story of the century. But the UK’s ability to maintain its position as a leading knowledge economy over the next 20 years, will depend on how we act now. In an increasingly global market, the future of our economy will be defined by whether a 13 year old in Bolton can compete for that knowledge economy job, against a 13 year old in Bangladesh or Beijing.”