CASE STUDY - Polish Migration to the UK

Question 1

Which years had the highest number of migrants to the UK from the EU? How many Poles were there?

Answer 1

2004 - 2007

More than half a million people from Poland came to the UK after 10 eastern european countries were allowed to join the EU in 2004.

Question 2

List 3 push factors from Poland in 2004.

Answer 2

1. High unemployment - around 19%
2. Low average wages - about 1/3 of the average EU wage
3. Housing shortages - just over 300 dwellings for every 1000 people

Question 3

List 4 pull factors to the UK in 2004.

Answer 3

1. Ease of migration - the UK allowed unlimited migration in 2004 (it was restricted in other countries)
2. More work and higher wages - wages in the UK were higher and there was a big demand for tradesmen eg plumbers
3. Good exchange rate - the pound was worth a lot of Polish currency, so sending a few quids back to Poland made a big difference to family back home

Question 4

What were some impacts in Poland because of migration? List 3.

Answer 4

1. Poland’s population fell (by 0.3% between 2003-07), and the birth rate fell as most people who left were young.
2. There was a shortage of workers in Poland, slowing the growth of the economy
3. The Polish economy was boosted by the money sent home from emigrants - around €3 billion was sent to Poland from abroad in 2006

Question 5

What were some impacts in the UK? Name 4.

Answer 5

1. The population in the UK went up slightly
2. Immigration boosted the UK economy, but a lot of the money earned in the UK was sent back home
3. New shops selling Polish products opened to serve Polish communities
4. Many Poles are Catholic so attendance at Catholic churches went up