Migration from Poland To UK

Migration from Poland To UK

1. Why?

   • Poland Unemployment Rate average 18.2%. The highest in OECD nations. Rural areas have up to 40% unemployment rate. With education youth unemployment was still 40%
   • Poland annual GDP per Capita in 2006 was roughly $12,700, whereas UK Had $30,900
   • UK unemployment rate only 5.1%. Experiences skill shortages and high demand for semi-skilled and unskilled labour
   • Average number of Job vacancies for 3 months up to January 2007 was 607,900
   • Migrants earn in a week what they would earn in a month in Poland
   • Once working for 12 months, entitled to all benefits such as Child Benefit and access to NHS
   • Better standard of living, new lifestyle, new social opportunities
   • People argue Poland not truly democratic

2. Impacts on Poland

   • Polish Airports saw more passengers travelling annually including small regional airports
   • Polish economy gain more money as workers send money home or come back with their savings?
   • Loss of employment base. 2005 10% of polish construction industry jobs could not be filled and by 2007 this increased to 35%. Legislations being made to encourage Poles back home
   • Serious shortage of skilled workers such as IT specialists
   • Migrating population mostly young men creating imbalance in society
   • Leading academics leaving for UK. Lead to large companies having to sponsor scientist and researchers

3. Impacts on the UK

   • £2.54 Billion contributed to economy yearly by eastern Europeans in UK
   • Migrants contributed to 0.5%-1% economic growth from 2005-2006
   • 80% Migrants are working people between ages of 18-35. Offsets chance of UK population ageing.
   • migrants prevented rapid rise in oil prices and allowing interest rates to remain low. 0.5% Higher without them
   • "There's even an aisle for polish food at Asda" Daily Telegraph headline 2007
   • Upsurge in catholic churches
   • Additional Stress on existing housing shortages
   • Under staffing of police force due to extra migrants
   • Willingness to work in conditions in which British people refuse to
   • Stress on government to manage immigration numbers

4. Problems Polish Migrants face

   • Discrimination and distrust form the locals
   • Poor access to education and health due to language barrier
   • Many poles exploited by employers, even while being paid minimum wage. Through deductions such as acommodation and food, thus leaving them with considerably low earnings
   • Many migrants face abuse and attacks form British people, such as Northern Ireland, migrant workers have had bricks thrown through their windows and in rare occasions have had their homes petrol bombed
   • Anti-Polish graffiti on UK streets
   • Xenophobia