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Edinburgh and Glasgow are in the top five cities to work in the UK, according to new national research.

The survey reveals that Edinburgh is ranked third and Glasgow ranked fifth in the UK-wide study, beating the likes of Birmingham, York and Bristol.

The study, conducted by totaljobs, also show that the three key motivations for moving within the UK are better lifestyle (42%), increased employment opportunities (38%) and living in a desirable area (32%).

The research also suggests that half of those surveyed say they would relocate in the UK for work but a greater proportion – 62% - would be willing to move abroad. This finding which comes in the wake of Brexit, is a rise of 18% from 2014.

The top two cities are shown as London and Manchester with Brighton and Hove coming in at number four.

Birmingham, York, Bristol, Bournemouth and Liverpool make up the remainder of the top ten.

The results prove the importance UK workers place on maintaining a healthy work-life balance when considering their place of work, justifying why the coastal locations of Brighton and Bournemouth fared so well in the rankings.

Somewhat surprisingly, housing affordability (buying and renting), was at the bottom of the priority list, with just 8% saying they were motivated to move by this factor.

The survey found that 80% of workers expect a relocation package if moving for work as part of an internal transfer with their current employer, with 86% requesting a higher salary, and 30% asking for a promotion, demonstrating the opportunity for employers to incentivise workers to relocate.

These findings also highlight the need for bosses to entice sought-after talent with competitive benefits and assistance when relocating.

Interestingly, with UK employers reporting a skills shortage impacting their recruitment efforts, the research revealed that 70% of people are more likely to relocate when securing a job with a new employer, as opposed to as part of a move with their current employer.

The findings suggest that Brits remain captured by the rat race, as almost half of UK workers (43%) would prefer to live in an urban area, and almost two thirds (61%) would most like to work in a town or city.

Mike Booker, director at totaljobs, said: “Across the country workers are willing to relocate for better employment opportunities, which is a really positive message for employers looking to attract new talent.

“The results of our survey demonstrate the fluidity of talent migration within the UK, and the current talent pool available to British bosses.”