Migration 5.4

Question 1

International Migration Case Study: Poland to the UK - causes - push and pull factors

Answer 1

• 19% unemployment in Poland
• Low wages
• Housing shortages and overcrowding.
• Ease of migration - UK allowed unrestricted access
• Plenty of jobs and high wages - demand for affordable, reliable tradesmen
• Good exchange rate for remittances

Question 2

International Migration Case Study: Poland to the UK - impacts on Poland

Answer 2

• A shortage of workers slowed Polish economic growth.
• £2.2 billion worth of remittances per year.
• Young emigrants led to an aging population.
• Housing shortages and unemployment was reduced.

Question 3

International Migration Case Study: Poland to the UK - impacts on the UK

Answer 3

• UK economy grew.
• Polish workers paid taxes which helped to pay for UK pensions.
• Some people resented the Polish workers “taking British jobs”.
• British immigration laws were made much stricter.
• Polish shops opened in many UK high streets.
• Pressure on jobs, schools, and housing.

Question 4

International Migration Case Study: Poland to the UK - impacts on Boston, Lincolnshire

Answer 4

• Population grew by over 25% between 2001 and 2008.
• Immigrants made a significant contribution to the local economy, by working in nearby farms and factories.
• However, there was resentment and ethnic tension.
• Immigrants were paid less than the locals.

Question 5

International Migration Case Study: Poland to the UK - pattern in the UK

Answer 5

• The Polish immigration was much more widespread than previous migration streams.
• Previously, non-EU streams would locate themselves in large cities such as London or Birmingham.
• However, Polish migrants moved to a much wider range of smaller towns where work was available.
• For example, Wrexham in North Wales received large numbers of Polish Immigrants as it has one of the large industrial zones in Europe.