London, Apr 15 (ANI): Almost half of the people in Britain are seriously considering moving overseas, a survey has found.

Australia is top of the relocation wish list followed by the US, Canada and New Zealand, the Sun reported.

The cost of living, weather, unemployment and crime are the most common reasons for wanting to quit Britain.

Pollsters YouGov quizzed 1,650 adults after The Sun told last week about Dave and Jackie Jones who emigrated to Australia with their 12 kids.

The family from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria - who have never claimed benefits - quit in despair at what they see as soft-touch Britain's emphasis on state handouts instead of opportunities.

I have to do the best for my kids and I feel the opportunities I want for them will not be in the UK, Dave, 42, said.

The poll found that most Britons agree. Three in five think quality of life will be worse for their kids than it has been for them. Just 13 per cent think their children will have it better.

Six per cent of those polled are actively making plans to leave, and 42 per cent say they will seriously consider it.

The cost of living was named by 52 per cent as a good reason for leaving.

The weather scored 37 per cent, job availability 31 per cent and crime 27 per cent.

Standards of education, pollution and the environment were listed as good reasons for moving abroad. (ANI)