The UK has fallen from second to fifth in a global study of the most desirable country to work in.

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and website totaljobs said their research revealed the possible impact of the Brexit vote two years ago.

The US, Germany, Canada and Australia now all rank higher than Britain in terms of attractiveness, a survey of 400,000 workers in 200 countries discovered.

London was said to be the most desirable city for overseas workers worldwide – beating New York, Berlin and Barcelona.

London skyline
London remains the most attractive city to work in (Chris Radburn/PA)

Of the countries that judge the UK most attractive to work in, the top five are in English-speaking Commonwealth nations: Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana and Nigeria.

The decline in the UK’s popularity is particularly apparent for residents of European countries, the UAE and China – who now pick the US, Australia, Germany or Canada as more attractive places to work.

The study also found that more UK residents than ever before are prepared to move abroad for work.

Almost two thirds said they were open to working overseas, compared to 44% in a previous study in 2014.

Nick South, of the Boston Consulting Group, said: “This research demonstrates the scale of the talent challenge facing organisations in the UK.

“Despite London’s enduring appeal, the UK as a whole has become less attractive to international workers.

“At the same time, British workers’ willingness to work abroad has significantly increased.

“Together, these two talent trends create a major challenge for the UK. It is critical for UK private and public sector organisations to get on the front foot and proactively take steps to attract and retain top class talent to ensure their future success.