Employees that have experience working abroad are more desirable to employers, according to a new survey, with L’Oréal stating that “productivity increase associated with taking up a more international career” adds £9.4 billion to the economy each year.

The survey by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) suggests that people that have experience working outside of the UK could add 15 percent (£2,700 average) to their salaries within three years of their return to the UK. Meanwhile more than 55 per cent of employees who have spent time abroad thought that they were more engaged in their roles as direct result of this.

Other results included six in 10 people that have worked abroad suggesting they were able to progress more quickly within their companies, with three quarters of their colleagues agreeing. 53 percent of employees that have worked abroad said they were better at bringing in business.

Women between the ages of 25-34 are said to be increasing desire for international opportunities next year, while employees are said to stay four years longer at companies that offer international career opportunities.