Economic Migration Polish to the UK.

Economic Migration: This is a type of voluntary migration where people migrate for job reasons. This might because they have no job in their current location or that a job in a different location offers better pay or a better position.

Push Factor: Things that make you want to leave the destination that you live in.

Pull Factor: Things that attract you to a new location.

Discrimination: Unfair treatment of a person, racial/ethnic/cultural group or minority group.

Migration - Poland to the UK In 2001 the UK Census showed that there were about 60,000 Polish born people living in the UK. However, by 2010 it was estimated that this figure 515,000 (some unofficial estimates say it is closer to 1 million). The large-scale migration started in 2004 when Poland and seven other countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic) joined the EU. Their membership of the EU gave Poles much greater freedom to travel, live and work in other EU member countries. Most Poles have applied and registered to work in the UK legally, but others have visited the UK and just not left - this is why the true number of Poles inside the UK is not fully known. Poles may not officially register to avoid paying tax on their earnings. Many of the unregistered migrants maybe working in farming. Farm working is very seasonal, so these workers may spend a lot of time moving between jobs and also returning home in between seasons. Most Poles have migrated because they have better economic opportunities in the UK than Poland (although the current global recession has encouraged many to return home). Although the migration of Eastern Europeans has inflamed some nationalist sentiment, on the whole Poles contribute an awful lot more to the British economy than they take. Many of the people protesting against migrants would not do the jobs migrants do and would certainly not do it for similar pay and treatment (not necessarily by workers, but some members of the public).

Push Factors from Poland and Eastern Europe

Pull Factors to the United Kingdom

GDP per capita of $20,100 (many migrants work in secondary and primary sector which earn significantly less) 17.4% of people employed in agriculture - these jobs are low paid and some might be going because of mechanisation 12% unemployment (youth unemployment 20.7%) 17% of population below poverty line Life expectancy 76 years

Member of the EU so can travel to without a visa and is able to work GDP per capita $35,900 1.4% employed in agriculture 7.9% unemployment (youth unemployment 18.9%) 14% of population below poverty line Life expectancy 80.1 years (the higher life expectancy suggests a better healthcare system) Chance of a better education for children. Learning English may present more opportunities in the future Chance of improving skill levels (certainly linguistic skills) Experience of living in a different country Knowledge of good transport links back to Poland

	Poland	United Kingdom
Positive Impacts of Migration	Remittances sent home to relatives in Poland There are improved social, cultural and political links to the UK Reduced pressure on schools and hospitals Reduced levels of unemployment as more jobs become available for people who have stayed The vast majority of migrants return to Poland with greater wealth, better language skills and possible training acquired in their work. Possible reduced levels of congestion and pollution.	Skilled workers like plumbers and electricians have migrated filling many shortages in the UK. Polish food has been introduced to the UK and is now readily available in most supermarkets. There are improved social, cultural and political links to Poland The majority of Poles are only going to stay in the UK if they have jobs, therefore the majority are paying taxes Many Poles are seasonal migrants and work in farming when demand for workers is highest during harvest. Migrants can reduce production costs and make UK manufacturing more competitive by accepting the minimum wage
Negative Impacts of Migration	Mainly the economically active are leaving Poland which is increasing the dependency ratio Family division although airlines like Ryanair and Easy Jet do offer cheap flights between the UK and Poland. Loss of skilled workers, especially in the construction sector Possible worker shortages during harvest time Reduced tax revenues from workers who have left - although considering the high unemployment, vacant jobs left by migrants should be filled.	Migration has caused some racial tension between Brits and migrants. Some political parties like the BNP have seen an increase in support. Cost of providing education for Polish students. Increased pressure on welfare support if Polish become unemployed in the UK. Cost of providing healthcare to workers and their families that become sick. Increased pressure on housing. Increased congestion and pollution Cost of translation - in the UK things like road signs have had to be translated to Polish Any increase in population can increase in demand and therefore may create inflation