Hi I returned to Birmingham UK two weeks ago after 11 years in Melbourne. Mainly to be with family.
I didn't have a job on my return, found one within 3 days. (I fix refrigeration on transport).
There is all this talk of immigrants flooding the country. Most of them are unskilled. So if your hoping to return to wash cars you'll be out of luck.
Overall it has been a big drop in pay i was on $36 an hour in Melbourne + 9% super and tax breaks for work related outgoings.
Here in the UK £13 an hour plus nothing.
I did realise this before I left, its just how it is.
As everyone says on this forum, the UK hasn't changed, its still the same as ever. Same people, same food, same same. So if your a pom you'll slip back into your old UK slippers in no time. Australia will be all but a fading sun burn.
My wife is Australian, shes still in Melbourne selling the house, to use the money to get her a visa for the UK.
If your thinking of coming back, just do it !
Your overpriced Aussie house should buy you a nice place over here.
Worried about opening a UK bank account, Lloyds opened one with just my passport and a bill from my parents house in there name.