Key workers eyeing move to Australia with more than 50,000 Brits tempted to quit UK

More than 50,000 fed-up key workers are considering ­quitting Britain and heading Down Under for warmer weather and much better pay.

Western Australia hopes to prise away 31,000 hard-working staff – including police officers, nurses and teachers – from the UK and Ireland.

A delegation will start visiting jobs fairs across the countries today – and 50,000 people here have already shown an interest in joining the exodus.

Paul Papalia, the Aussie state’s police and defence industry minister, crowed: “I see a lot of cold but capable people, primed for an adventure and a pay rise in the land of opportunity, Western Australia.

“Our wages are higher, our cost of living is lower and our lifestyle is unbeatable.”

Nurses can typically earn £49,085 a year in Western Australia – 58% more than the £30,586 UK average.

And a secondary school teacher on £32,887 in England could earn £51,861.

The bid to poach workers comes as Britain grapples with widespread strikes over pay and conditions.

Doctors, plumbers and electricians are also tempted by Oz, with its 3,200 hours of annual sunshine and beach lifestyle.

Mr Papalia said: “It was 30 degrees and clear blue skies when we left Perth.

“Now I understand part of why your energy bills are more than double what we pay Down Under.

“I’m still waiting for the sun to appear.”

The Australians will visit Edinburgh, London, Bristol and Dublin this week.

More than 100 police officers will attend their first skills session today.