JNN 22.09.10 London : The UK has been tipped as one of the worst countries in Europe in terms of living standards such as fewer holidays, longer working lives and bad weather, according to a new report.

The index published by uSwitch.com shows that Britons who once enjoyed the highest net household income in Europe are now earning almost £8000 less than last year, the daily Herald Scotland said in a report.

According to the report, the average UK household earned £10,000 above the European average last year, but the income has now fallen to £2,314 which is fewer that the net income in Ireland, the Netherland, and Denmark.

The index evaluates quality of life based on 16 factors such as net income, VAT and the cost of essentials such as fuel, food and energy bills, as well as lifestyle factors, including hours of sunshine, holiday entitlement, working hours and life expectancy.

Factors which contributed to the UK being at the bottom of the index list include high living costs, below-average government spending on health and education, shorter holidays and late retirement.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: “Last year, compared with our European neighbors we were miserable but rich, this year we’re miserable and poor.

“Whereas some countries work to live, UK consumers live to work.

“In fact we work harder, take fewer holidays and retire later than most of our European counterparts, but the high cost of living makes this a necessity rather than a choice.”

France, Spain, Germany, Holland, Sweden and Italy all enjoy a longer life expectancy than the UK, with France rated as having the best quality of life in Europe for the second year in a row.

According to the index, Britons also pay the highest prices for food and diesel yet receive a below-average spend on health and education. People in the UK can also expect to work four years longer and die two years younger than their French counterparts.