Hrm Dissertation 4

8/8/2019 Hrm Dissertation 4

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1. INTRODUCTION................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 3

1.1.BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY ................................ ................................ ............................... 3

1.2.DILEMMAS TOWARDS REMIGRATION................................ ................................ ...................... 4

1.3.RESEARCH QUESTIONS ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 51.4.RESEARCH OBJECTIVES ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 5

1.5.OVERALL AIM................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 5

1.6.SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ................................ ................................ ................................ 5

1.7.STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT ................................ ................................ ................................ . 6

2. LITERATURE REVIEW ................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 6

2.1.INTRODUCTION ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 6

2.2.GENERAL THOUGHTS ON MIGRATION ................................ ................................ ..................... 7

2.3.REALITY OF WORK AND ITS IMPACT ON MIGRANTS ................................ ................................ ..... 8

2.4.CURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE UK AND IN POLAND ................................ ..................... 9

2.5.CHARACTERISTICS OF POLISH IMMIGRANTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON UKS ECONOMY ......................... 11

2.6.SUMMARY ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 13

3. METHODOLOGY ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 15

3.1.DEFINITION OF A RESEARCH ................................ ................................ ............................... 15

3.2.THE PURPOSE OF A RESEARCH ................................ ................................ ............................ 15

3.3.RESEARCH STRATEGIES AND METHODS................................ ................................ .................. 16

3.3.1. Questionnaire ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 17

3.3.2. Semi-structured interviews................................ ................................ .................. 18

3.4.SAMPLING................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 18

3.5.DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES................................ ................................ .............................. 18

3.6.RATIONALE FOR CHOOSING SURVEY METHOD ................................ ................................ ......... 19

4. SURVEY AND DATA COLLECTION ................................ ................................ ..................... 20

4.1.TIMEFRAME................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 20

4.2.QUESTIONNAIRE ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 20

4.3.INTERVIEW ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 21

4.4.LIMITATIONS................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 22


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5. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION................................ ................................ .................... 23

5.1.STAGE 1:DEMOGRAPHICAL DATA ................................ ................................ ....................... 24

5.1.1. Gender, age, education level, marital status and numbe r of dependants ............ 24

5.1.2. Length of stay in the UK ................................ ................................ ...................... 26

5.1.3. Level of English language ................................ ................................ .................... 26

5.1.4. Sector of employment................................ ................................ ......................... 28

5.2.STAGE 2:HUMAN CAPITAL DEPRECIATION, THE MAIN REASONS FOR MIGRATION AND EXPECTATIONS ... 29

5.2.1. Sectors of employment and job titles comparisons ................................ .............. 29

5.2.2. Rates of pay comparison ................................ ................................ ..................... 31

5.2.3. Reasons for migration ................................ ................................ ......................... 32

5.2.4. Expectations before moving to the UK................................ ................................ . 33

5.3.STAGE 3:CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION AND PLANS TOWARD THE FUTURE ................................ . 34

5.3.1. Current economic situation in the UK and in Poland. ................................ ........... 34

5.3.2. Plans towards the nearest future ................................ ................................ ........ 35

5.3.3. Additional information ................................ ................................ ........................ 37

5.4.SUMMARY ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 39

6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................ ................................ ...... 42

6.1.SUMMARY ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 42

6.1.1. Migration in general ................................ ................................ ........................... 42

6.1.2. Influence of current economic crisis ................................ ................................ ..... 43

6.1.3. Migration motivators and experience gained................................ ...................... 44

6.1.4. Depreciation of human capital................................ ................................ ............ 44

6.1.5. Plans for the future ................................ ................................ ............................. 45

6.2.RECOMMENDATIONS ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 45

6.3.PERSONAL IMPLICATIONS ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 47


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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background to the study

Immigration was always part of Polish history; however, after May 2004 a real exodus took

place. The total number of people, who moved in search of work to Western European

countries, has reached two millions. According to statistic, over a quarter of expatriates

came to the UK (GUS, 2008). Migration contributed to the significant drop in the level of

unemployment in Poland, but at the same time, it created unprecedented scale of social

problems, both at individual and national level.

Life in the United Kingdom is very expensive. Accommodation, transport, utility bills and

food prices are on top of the list in many British households. People find it harder to make

both ends meet, especially in large cities such as London. Moreover, demands of 24/7

society, global competition, outsourcing, downsizing and other factors have caused work

intensification, long-hours culture and weakened balance between work and private life.

According to Buenek (2008), the majority of Polish immigrants declare that their stay in the

UK is only temporary. Many of them have two jobs, while the others take overtimes for

financial reasons. People treat long hours work as a solution for loneliness, homesickness or

in order to conceal lack of other aim in life. Dr Jeziorny (quoted in Bueneks article) argues

that immigration creates additional stress factors, as it does not allow continuing the same

lifestyle as in homeland.

The accession to European Union in 2004 allowed Poles to taste the lifestyle and freedom to

work and live in any EU country on the same conditions as other members. The fact that

visas were no longer necessary and people did not have to wangle in order to find

employment was very encouraging, hence, so many Poles decided to try their luck in the UK.

Four years later, the conditions on the labour market has dramatically changed as financial

crisis has spread globally. The currency exchange is not favourable; hence, a work in the UK

is not that attractive in income terms as it used to be. On the other hand, recession has hit

Poland in 2009, and the unemployment level keeps rising. Theref ore, finding a job in a home

country is getting harder.


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1.2. Dilemmas towards remigration

The factors mentioned above make Polish migration issue very interesting, hence the idea

for this research. Migrants in the UK consider themselves as second-class citizens due to the

significant disproportion between effort at work and the outcome achieved. Expectations

before coming to the UK appear to have an influence on perception of migration. Although

migrants expect a hard work, they also anticipate high income and better conditions than in

Poland. Due to reshape in labours markets in both countries, Polish migrants question their

previous reasons for arrival and evaluate their motivators to return to Poland. Rising

unemployment in the UK might lead to social tensions between local community (especially

in a low-paid employment) and migrants, usually employed in low-skilled vacancies. On the

other hand, unemployment is rising in Poland now. Therefore, arrival of a new labour force

into already loose market would cause fierce competition between potential employees.

Economic migration after May 2004 has a different nature than the previous migrations in

Polish history. First of all, Poles are able to travel freely around EU; secondly, air travel

became widely available, hence the travel time from the UK and Poland has significantly

shorten; thirdly, migrations motives are not political (as it used to be) or economical only;

and finally, there is always an option open to return to Poland. Having more possibiliti es, it

gets harder to make decision; therefore, people choose not to restrict themselves by timeframes. Lets see how it goes is the most popular answer in uncertain times, and decision

not to do anything is also a possible strategy.

Professor K. Iglicka (Kowalska, 2009) identifies part of the migrants as a lost generation

those who were unemployed in Poland or students of popular but unpractical pathways. In

other words: people who failed finding employment in Polish labour market and expected to

succeed in the UK. Moreover, some of those who lived in a social margin in Poland continue

to do so abroad. Iglicka believes that in a long term, migrants themselves would be hit

hardest by migration side effects. They are already disorientated, filled with the misfit

feeling, searching help on the therapist couch. This highly pessimistic approach

predominates in Polish media. The first sit-com about migrants Londoners (Londynczycy)

was removed from public TV after being criticized for vilifying a pictu re of Polish migration.


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1.3. Research Questions

Reading the literature concerning economic migration from Poland several issues arose,

therefore this research focus on answering following questions:

1. What was the Polish immigrants in the UK the main reasons for migration? (E.g.:

What did they expect before moving to the UK? Did they experience depreciation of

human capital when employed in the UK?)

2. What opinion do Poles have concerning current economic conditions in the UK and in

Poland?

3. What are they plans towards the future? Do they intend to settle down in the UK or

return to Poland?

1.4

. Research Objectives

y To review available literature on migration.

y To provide updated information about current economic crisis and its influence on

labour market.

y To identify the motivators of migration and remigration.

y To explore the dilemmas of Polish migrants and the reasons behind them.

1.5. Overall aim

The overall aim of this research is to shed some light into issues and consequences for three

main stakeholders of Polish migration phenomena: the UKs employers, the Polish

government and individuals. The main goal is to gain some understanding on this pr oblem in

order to construct feasible and practicable recommendations.

1.6. Significance of the study

The scale of Polish migration has reached significant level; hence, it has a substantial effect

on economics of the labour market not only in both countri es (the UK and Poland) but also

from the EU perspective. As unlimited access to European labour market is relatively new

experience for Poles, extensive studies are necessary to understand the problem. Migration

involves individuals with different motives, needs and objectives, which add complexity to

this subject. Therefore


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1.7. Structure of the report

This research is structured in a following order:

Chapter 2 contains revision of the literature from wide scope of sources such as: books,

journals, newspapers, previous researches, and the Internet. There is a general background

for migration, and then changes in the world of work are sketched, followed by outline of

current economic conditions in the UK and Poland. Towards the end, there is a summary of

Polish migrants characteristics in the UK, based on statistical information from available

sources.

Chapter 3 details the methodology used in the research, namely the questionnaire and semi -

structured interview. The sampling methods and data analysis techniques are outlined,

followed by the rationale for choosing survey methodology.

Chapter 4 provides detailed information on data collection procedures with time frames for

collecting questionnaire and dates of conducting interviews. It contains also a critical

approach to research limitations.

Chapter 5 presents results on questionnaire findings enriched by information gathered

during the interviews. It provides processed data in forms of tables, charts and graphsproduced with the help of SPSS and Excel software.

Chapter 6 summarise the whole report and draws conclusions followed by some

recommendations for stakeholders and a further study.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Introduction

This literature review is concerned with migration issue in the UK. First of all general

thoughts about migration and its influence on the economy are outlined, then t he reality of

work in modern society and its impact on migrant is discussed, followed by current

economic condition in the UK and Poland. Next, it focuses on recent economic migration


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from A81

countries, particularly from Poland. Thus, the characteristic of immigrants are

reviewed, the UKs economical and social gains and losses after opening the borders in 2004.

The purpose of this literature review is to find any gaps in the literature that will give ideas

for an interesting research on recent Poles migr ation to the UK.

2.2. General thoughts on migration

In general, migration is not a new issue in the UK. Every year thousands of people land on

the Britains shore driven by economic reasons, by fear of prosecutions in their home

country, or individuals who intend to settle down in the UK. Blanchflower (2007) defines a

migrant as someone who changes his or her country of usual residence for a period of at

least a year. The receiving country of legal or illegal immigrants has to be able to control the

influx of people into the country. According to Martin (2001) the major economic

instruments that can indirectly reduce unwanted migration are: trade, foreign investment

and aid. However, in the short run, trade and investment can foster migration, especially

when the difference in average income per capita is five times or more. In the long term,

though, economically motivated migration should decrease in a fre e trade markets as prices

for goods and services and the workers wages in both countries should equalize.

The fact that European Union (and thus Britain) has opened labour markets for migrants has

little to do with changing attitudes towards other nationalities, but rather it is a response to

pressure from native employers experiencing skill and labour shortages. Kleinman (2001)

considered globalisation, falling real cost of international travel and the impact of global

mass media on knowledge flows and aspirations as the main drivers for labour migration.

According to the economic theory, migration has several impacts (Kleinman, 2001): on the

employment rate and wages of native workers, on the employment rate and wages of

immigrants, on productivity and the growth rate of the economy, on entrepreneurialism and

innovation (self-employability, own business), and on the fiscal balance of government.

Although there is a range of benefits that the economy gains from migration, there are also

losers those low-skilled native employees forced to compete for available vacancies with

foreign-born workers. Tabloid press provides collection of stories of stealing our jobs - type,

1Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia


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which give bad publicity and rise tensions between locals and migrants. Notwithstanding,

Blanchflower (2007) suggested that the influx of A8 migrants have had little or no effect on

unemployment rate or any other labour market aggregate.

From the other perspective given by Staubhaar (2000), highly skilled people should be

attracted into and keep in the economy. He distinguished high skilled migration into three

groups: brain gain (countries which reap from proficient migrants), brain exchange

(countries which neither gain nor lose) and brain drain (countries which lose their

intellectuals and professionals as they are leaving in search for better working and living

conditions). Hence, according to Moraes (2004), even if labour mobility can be good for

receiving regions, it must be bad for the source regions.

2.3. Reality of work and its impact on migrants

The labour market in the UK has recently experienced range of alterations, which reshaped

its surface (for more details see Appendix 1 with PESTEL analysis for labour market). Noon

and Blyton (2007, ch.13) distinguished four types of chang es: participation in labour market,

patterns of working hours, experience of work and changes in non-work world. First of all,

demographic shifts resulted in declining birth rates, ageing population , and women

participation in the workforce. Secondly, despite reduced average working hours to 42 per

week, there is a long-hours culture in the UK, especially in both extremes of income

spectrum (in relation to other European countries such as France). Thirdly, labour market

deregulation brought increased job in security in terms of contracts arrangements, employer

flexibility in working time and hours. Moreover, downsizing and restructuring resulted in

enlarged workload. Finally, social changes such as: family instability (divorce rates and

separation), decline in extended family networks and other community support systems,

consumerism (as a way of creating peoples identity and satisfaction) have also increased

work pressure. On the other hand, many individuals are willing to suffer in the short term

(e.g. by long working hours) in expectation of future happiness it is called deferred

happiness syndrome (Noon, 2007). This may apply to economic migrants, who come to the

UK in search of employment. However, experts claim that happiness is related more to

relative, rather than absolute income and the main sources of happiness are: relationships

with family, friends, and a stable family life.


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The ageing Western population is in need of young workers. Employers are calling for

workers, not only for low-paid agricultural and manufactory jobs, but also in high-skilled

professions. Governments are demanding foreign workers to pay taxes and contribute into

pension schemes. Some of the economists convince that immigration has positive impact on

economy as a whole. However, experts raise the alarm that migration cannot be a solution

for demographical problems and the skill gaps in the UK workforce (Kleinman, 2001;

Philpott, 2006). Economic migrants who will decide to stay in Britain will age too, and will be

in need for social benefits and pensions. Skilled foreigners, who may choose to return to

their countries, will take knowledge and experience with them. Overall, migration can only

play a role of one-off fix and other steps should be simultaneously undertaken in ord er to

increase workforce participation and reduce skill gaps.

2.4. Current economic conditions in the UK and in Poland

Since credit crunch started to spread from the USA, there was a growing fear of financial

crisis in Europe. Government statisticians confirmed this concern recently on 19 January

2009, that British economy is officially in recession state (Conway, 2009). According to the

Morgan Stanley2

economic dictionary, recession can be defined as adecline in a countrys

economic productivity for at least two successive quarters. The typical outcomes of it are:

rising unemployment, reduction in customers spending and business investments , and falling

stock prices in financial markets. Overall, there is a slump in living standards in time of

recession.

Along with the economy theory (Beardwell, 2007), demand for labour decreases as demand

for products and services fall. At the moment the unemployment rate in the UK has reached

6%, the highest since 1999 (see table in Appendix 2). There is a fear of job cuts and tougher

economic conditions in following year. The analysis of the percentage change in average

nominal wages show small but stable rise, however the estimation for the same indicator in

real wages is negative (0.4% for 2008). It means that people in the UK have less money in

their pockets in 2008 than they had a year ago. Thus, when people expect that the

2http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com/customerservice/dictionary/Default.asp?letter=R#IDAQT1GZ


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conditions will worsen, they will save more. The money that could be spend on consumption

is withdrawn from circular flow of income, thus less products and services are in demand,

and hence the jobs will be inevitably cut. And it has already happened, as most of the quality

newspapers reveal almost every day. Even viable companies such as BT, M&S, Burberry are

forced to cut jobs in order to survive though times. BBC News from 21 January 2009, report

further redundancies, which would affect majority of industries across the whole country.

The UKs government has attempted to tackle the slumping spending by reducing VAT rate

from 17.5% to 15% in December to encourage Christmas shoppers (BBC News, 2008).

Moreover, the Bank of England has reduced the interest rate to 0.5% the lowest level in its

315-year history (March 2009) in order to support businesses in taking out the loans.

Whereas British government (and other developed countries) has plentiful resources to

tackle the recession, Poland has much more restricted options. At the moment the interest

rates have dropped to 3.75%, the lowest level since 1998 (NBP), but still high in comparison

to the UK. The Central Bank of Poland (NBP) is reluctant to reduce the interest rates because

of fear of mounting inflation and growing nominal wages (Kretowicz, 2008). The VAT rate is

22%, while in other European countries is between 15% (Cyp rus and Luxemburg) and 25%

(Denmark and Sweden). On the other hand, there is a reduction in income tax from the rates

of 19%, 30%, 40%, into 18% and 32% in 2009, which should lighten a tax burden for low

income families. On top of that, there are constant clashes between two main political

parties (PO with prime minister, Mr. Tusk and PiS with president Mr. Kczynski). This

continuous conflict, gladly highlighted by national media, has made the political scene

ridiculous and the government unreliable. Since the nation does not have trust in their

leaders, there will be hard to introduce even good and economically wise reforms.

According to Polish leading newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza (Maciejewicz, 2008), the

government has chosen the accession to the Eurozone in 2011 as a primary strategy in battle

against recession. Mr. Zettelmeyer, the Analysis Director of EBRD3

quoted in Wprost (2009a)

argues that Poland and Slovakia4 might have lower but still positive economic growth. On

the other hand, the economic forecast given by European Commission (Wprost, 2009b) gives

3European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

4Slovakia joined euro zone on 1 January 2009.


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more pessimistic view with growing unemployment rate (8.4% in 2009 and 9.6% in 20105),

lower consumption, reduced import and declined wage inflation. However, the report

concludes that Poland is in better situation than the EU on average.

In the light of rapidly changing economic conditi ons in both countries, Polish migrants in the

UK are facing dilemma concerning remigration. While, there are still more jobs available in

the UK than in Poland, the tensi on caused by economic downturn and fears for redundancies

are rising. The Federation of Poles in Great Britain called attention to growing number of

racist incidents as Polish migrants are blamed for taking British jobs (Silverman, 2009). The

British polices statistic does not confirm this information, but it seems that Poles want to be

better safe than sorry. There are more and more articles concerning a return to Poland but

they are rather bleak and pessimistic. Although the economy is considerably bette r than few

years ago, the old push factors such as extended bureaucracy, malaise, devil-may-care

attitude, and even dead-serious facial expression of Sales Assistant in a corner shop have not

changed (Biszewska, 2008). On top of that, there are misunderstandings within families,

different employers expectations and the feeling that they are not welcomed so

wholeheartedly as imagined, which according to psychologist A. Juszczyk, prompt people to

seek help at coach therapy (Zadroga, 2008). Moreover, Ministry of Economy Report (2007)

argues that migrants in back and forward trips are like people on a swing, who neither

belong to community they are descended neither from nor to the community they are

temporary in. It seems that in both decisions about emi gration and remigration Poles tend to

have higher expectations than the reality really is. The clash between those two, causes that

newly returned migrants are packing their suitcases and flying back to the UK, a place they

are already familiar with.

2.5. Characteristics of Polish immigrants and their impact on UKs economy

Migration was always part of Polish history. As far as the statistic (GUS, 2008) is concerned,

Poles have usually chosen Germany and the United States as a destination countries. Only

after the EU accession, more people have moved towards the Western Europe. The total

number of people relocated in search of work into the EU countries is unknown and

5Eurostat uses different statistical methods than GUS, hence the difference in percentages.


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fluctuates between four millions (in media) to 660,000 (Ministry of Labour and Social Policy).

GUS6

assumes that the most probable number is 1.12 millions estimated by ECAS7.

According to statistic, over a quarter of expatriates came to the UK. Migration caused

dramatic drop in the level of unemployment in Poland (from 19.6% in 2004 to 9.7 % in 2008),

but it created unprecedented scale of social problems, both at individual and national level.

Nowadays, Polish economy is accelerating thanks to European Union funds, thus companies

are hunting for employees and working conditions are getting better. Moreover, sterling

exchange rate is loosing value against zloty (from 6.63 in 2003 to 4.40 in 2008) and makes

the work in the UK less profitable. Eventually Poles have to decide: to stay or go back,

because money is not a reason to leave Poland any more(Tchorek, 2008).

Before joining the EU in 2004, Poles took advantage of the European Agreement (1991),

which allowed candidate states to set up private business in the UK. As a result, there was a

substantial increase in migrants entering on basis of self-employment (Drinkwater, 2006).

Moreover, Poles were active in grey market, and although illegal, they were tolerated for

doing jobs that others did not want (Wagstyl, 2002). The question arises why so many Poles

have chosen to set up business in the UK. First of all, the unemployment level and lack of job

opportunities forced them to head to the West. Secondly, the remuneration gap was the

incentive to emigrate. Thirdly, horrendous bureaucracy and cost of setting up a firm put off

potential entrepreneurs8. According to Lucas (2006), Poland comes on 54

thposition in the

Worlds Bank ranking of the business environment, behind such countries as Kuwait, Tonga

and Armenia. On the other hand, Polish businessmen are well-known in circumventing

administrational red tapes. As the former finance minister, Grzegorz Kolodko said: The

Polish emerging market works much better than the Polish emerging democracy (Lucas,

2006). Hence, many disappointed entrepreneurs or those who could not cope with new

conditions have left.

6Polish Statistic Authority

7European Citizen Action Service

8In his article, Lucas (2006) compares the process of conducting the everyday business project such as building

a warehouse in Poland and in the US. While in the USA, it takes on average 70 days, in Poland the project

involves 25 bureaucratic procedures and takes 322 days.


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According to statistics, most of A8 migrants are relatively young (82% aged 18 -34), footloose

and hardly any have dependants on them. Since work is the main reason for being in the UK,

they have higher employment rate than natives or other immigrants (Philpott, 2006). In

terms of occupation, Poles have mainly found employment in semi-routine or routine jobs,

however it does not imply that they are typically low skilled. On top of that, Poles work

slightly longer hours than native workers to make up for lower hourly earnings (Drinkwater,

2006). The CRONEM (2007) survey has divided Polish migration patterns into three groups:

seasonal migrants (storks and hamsters), long-term settlers (salmons) and undecided

(catchers). Apparently, the most numerous group is the latest, the one that follows the

strategy of intentional unpredictability9. Overall, the main features of Polish migration are:

seasonality and circularity, thus it is sometimes called stork migration10

.

The biggest impact of increased migration is population growth in the UK (from 59.8 millions

in 2004 to 61.4 millions in 2008) and hence the enlarged workforce. From time to time

populist newspapers blame migration for the rise in unemployment rate (from 4.8% to 6.7%)

and reduced access to social welfare. However, Blanchflower (2007) claims that there is

hardly any direct competition between immigrants and local workers. And although, the

economic gains are small and unevenly distributed, they are positive. Overall, A8 migrants

influenced the workforce in terms of mobility and flexibility.

2.6. Summary

Migration is seen as a quick fix for a skills shortage in the UK. However, economic migrants

usually find an employment in low-skilled, low-paid jobs and often experience depreciation

of human capital as their skills level is undervalued. Moreover, in a search for a vacancy,

migrants face direct competition with local low-skilled labour. This, in time of recession and

rising unemployment could lead to social tensions and protests. On t op of that, knowledge

and skills outflow from Poland, as a source country, has damaging consequences for the

economy.

9Intentional unpredictability is when people choose to be open to all options that arise so as not to restrict

their life plans by fixing into it a specific time frame.10

Stork is a popular bird in Poland often colligated with Polish culture and tradition.


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It is claimed that the propensity to migrate to the UK is higher the lower is GDP in source

countries (Blanchflower, 2007). In 2008, Poli sh GDP has reached for the first time more than

a quarter of the UKs GDP (32.75%). Moreover, while there was a steady growth in GDP in

the UK, Poland has experienced dramatic rise year on year (see Appendix 2 with statistical

data). In the meantime, economic conditions are tougher in the UK in comparison to

previous years. Is it time for Poles to come back to their homeland or is it only temporal

political propaganda? Many undecided migrants find themselves torn between comfortable

provisionally vegetation in the UK, and the risk of coming back to Poland, where they are still

not welcome by public. Due to circularity and seasonality characteristic of Polish economic

migration, it is often called stork migration, which in a long run gives a feeling of liv ing on

the swing and may destroy sense of belonging.

Economic conditions in both countries will not give the reliable answer for this dilemma. The

world is changing fast nowadays, media are giving ambiguous information, and personal

circumstances of individuals are different. The pursuit of happiness pushes Poles to move to

the West, where they face the reality that grass is not always greener on the other side of

the fence. However, people are far more cosmopolitan than they used to be and the

argument ofhelping to build Polish economy11

does not convince them any more. They are

looking for personal achievements and comfortable place for themselves and their families.

What matters more are incentives and opportunities given by governments in order to

increase countrys workforce in terms of quantity and quality.

Although the economic conditions are tougher at the beginning of 2009, the changing

environment is very interesting in terms of research material. Poles, who are considering a

decision of remigration, are weighting also the opportunity cost 12. It is difficult decision, and

seems to be even harder than the decision about arrival to the UK. Therefore, migrants tend

to avoid restricting themselves with fixed timeframes and choose to be open to arising

options (intentional unpredictability). This research attempts to shed some light on Polish

migration phenomena, by asking about opinion towards economic and social en vironment,

11Citizens, will you help? Yes, we will one of the favourite quotations of the previous communist

government.12

Opportunity cost the best alternative forgone as a result of making a decision.


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about past and future expectations, and about plans. The next chapter discusses the

methodology used in conducting this study.

3. METHODOLOGY

3.1. Definition of a research

Saunders (2007, p.5) defines research as something that people undertake in order to find

out things in a systematic way, thereby increasing their knowledge . The process of finding

out things involves describing, explaining, understanding, criticising and analysing data,

whereas systematic way implies logical relationship of information. It is further discussed

by Anderson (2004, p. 7) who argues that the outcome of meticulous study of a particular

problem can be more fruitful than decisions based on a common sense, personal instinct or

preferences. On top of that, Ghauri (et al, 1995, pp.6-7) adds that the difference between

research and common sense lays in achieving specific goals by using scientific methods in a

systematic way.

3.2. The purpose of a research

This research is a final project in Business Studies, which means that is made in order to

increase knowledge. According to Ghauri (et al, 1995, p. 7) the general purpose of research

is to improve social life, but the purpose of business research is to understand how and why

things happen without accepting or rejecting assumptions by studying them critically. The

subject of interest in this study is migration phenomenon in the UK, particularly Polish

economic migration after the EU accession. Given that economic conditions that affect

labour markets have changed, and worldwide recession is disturbing both Poland and the

UK, a new trend of possible remigration has appeared. Since both trends are relatively

recent, this research is an insight into opi nions and views of Poles. Therefore, the purpose of

it is explanatory, and focuses on finding and explaining the potential relationship between

variables.


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3.3. Research strategies and methods

The most common of the research strategies in business and management is a survey. There

are two main methods of obtaining data in this strategy: an interview and written

questionnaire (paper or electronic version). The popularity of the second method comes

from ability to collect large amount of data in a relatively cost-effective and straightforward

way. In addition, it is uncomplicated to explain and understand, and it gives more control

over the research process. (Saunders, 2007, pp. 138-139). Survey is useful in contacting large

number of individuals in order to obtain information on the same issue, often by giving the

same questions to all. Therefore, it allows to analyse the data in a relatively short time by

using simple software and present the data in form of tables or figures. However, survey

depends on human respondents commitment and their ability and willingness to reply the

questions. Hence, the researcher needs to ask himself a question whether the answers

sound authentic and check the other methods to confirm the conclusions (Jankowicz, 1994,

pp. 166-167).

Methods used in the research can be grouped in two broad classes: quantitative and

qualitative. According to Bryman (2007, pp. 28 -29, ch. 6) the main difference between these

two is the use of statistical measurements in quantitative method, whereas qualitative

method relates to humans attitudes, feelings and perceptions, and is not concerned to findthe objective truth but rather how the individual perceives it. Neither of these methods is

better or worse than other. Both of them can be used in the same research to conduct deep

study in order to achieve better understanding of a particular problem. Undertaking mixed

methods in the research diminish the obvious weaknesses of quantitative or qualitative

method and enhance their strengths. For purpose of this research, a mixed -method strategy

was chosen: a questionnaire as bases for quantitative method and a semi-structured

interview for qualitative method. The reason for this choice are: limited financial resources

and restricted time period for conducting the research. Moreover, the problems found in a

questionnaire can be discussed in more depth and understood better by carrying out

interviews.


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3.3.1. Questionnaire

The questionnaire (see Appendix 3) consists of two parts. The first one gathers general

information about respondents such as: gender, age, education level, marital status and

number of dependants. The rationale for these queries is to examine if sample chosen for

this research is adequate to data gathered by Home Office statistics (mentioned in Philptt,

2006, see Chapter 2.5). The next two questions are about the length of stay in the UK and

the ability to communicate in English. The idea for these comes from an interview with

Agnieszka Major, a founder of Polish Psychologists Club in London, who believes that in

order to cope well with migration; an individual has to integrate with local community, be

able to communicate in a local language, and has a clear goal in mind. Otherwise, migran ts

gather together and withdraw into Polish enclaves, which in long-term generates higher

stress level when forced to deal with locals (Gignal, 2008). The final six questions in first part

of the questionnaire is a comparison of jobs performed in Poland t o those carried out in the

UK. Job title and sector of employment are compared in order to examine if there was

reduction in ability and skills usage and therefore depreciation of human capital. Finally, the

rates of pay in both countries are questioned in order to find rationale for economic

migration.

The second part of questionnaire analyses views and opinions about migration and

remigration. Thus, there is a query for giving the reason for migration, with six possible

answers to choose, and a box for additional reply is given. The next question about the

length of planned stay in the UK, examines whether the respondents have a general plan

concerning they future or they adopt intentional unpredictability strategy. The third

question in this part is concerned about the differences between expectations and the

reality, whether the anticipations were higher and thus led to disappointment or perhaps

actual conditions in the UK were better than expected. The next two questions are an insight

into opinion about current economic situation. However, these queries are hard to examine,

because the state of the economy in both countries keeps changing almost every day, and

public opinion is given often contradictory information. Finally, the last question deals wi th

plans and views on possible remigration to Poland and the main motives.


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3.3.2. Semi-structured interviews

In order to expand the understanding and deepen the research, a semi -structured interview

is planned. It is based on the open-ended questions from the second part of the

questionnaire (question 14 19), however it also gives freedom to add new ones, omit

existing ones or change the order of questions to engage the interviewee in exploring the

subject. It is very flexible tool in researching strateg y, as it could be conducted in one -to-one

or group approach. However, the success of the interview depends on many independent

factors such as: skills possessed by interviewer, the willingness to answer and engage in

discussion, the subject itself, knowledge about the subject, types of questions, etc. Above

and beyond, it is worth to attempt to interview respondents as it gives better insight into

their opinions, views and beliefs.

3.4. Sampling

Since this research is an insight into views and opinions, it would be worthwhile to carry out

sample statistics. However, limited time scale and resources restrict the capacity; hence,

there is no attempt to obtain a representative sample from the whole population. As for the

sampling technique, a non-probability sampling has been chosen which is based on

subjective judgement. According to Saunders (2007, p.207) non -probability sampling are

used, when there is no need to make statistical inferences about the characteristic of the

population. In other worlds, the res ults from this research cannot be used to generalise the

whole population of Polish migrants in the UK. In order to obtain non -representative sample

as quickly as possible, Saunders recommends using self-selection sampling, in which each

individual is allowed to choose whether he or she wants to participate or not. Respondents

often decide to take a part in the research because of their feelings or opinions toward the

research questions and objectives (Saunders 2007, p. 234).

3.5. Data analysis techniques

SPSS software has been chosen to input raw data from questionnaire and to conduct basic

statistical techniques such as: frequency distributions, mean, standard deviation, and simple

correlation between variables. Other statistical data have been compared with the aid of

charts and graphs available in Excel software. The reasons for such simplification are: limited

time scale, epigrammatic research project and restricted financial resources.


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3.6. Rationale for choosing survey method

For purpose of this research the survey strategy has been chosen, as this method is

appropriate for short-time study and is relatively uncomplicated to analyse. A questionnaire

was given amongst the researchers friends, co-workers and acquaintances and the

respondents had a choice to participate or withdraw. Moreover, semi-structured interviews,

based on open-ended queries from questionnaire, were conducted in order to explore the

problem of remigration. The main benefits of questionnaire and interview are: time -

sufficiency and cost-effectiveness, as the data analysis were conducted through commonly

available software. Furthermore, some other statistical data from secondary sources were

provided as a background for the phenomenon and as a proof of an active literature review.

It is necessary to note that this research is an insight into views and opinion of Polish

migrants, and although carefully conducted it cannot represent the views of the whole

population. The next chapter discusses actual fieldwork and data collection, which took

place during conducting this research.


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4.SURVEYANDDATACOLLECTION

4.1. Timeframe

The preparation for conducting a survey took place on the beginning of February 2009. After

extensive literature review concerning the topic, nineteen questions have been formulated.

The final draft of the questionnaire has been submitted for approval on 16 February. The

proper distribution and collection took place between 20 February and 10 March 2009. In

the meantime, three semi-structured interviews had been conducted, which were based

mainly on open-ended questions from the second part of the questionnaire (14 to 19). The

interviews took place on: 20 February, 1 March and 13 March 2009.

4.2. Questionnaire

It has been mentioned before, that due to limited time and financial restrictions there was

no attempt to carry out sample statistics. Therefore, the data gathered in this survey do not

reflect the whole population. Nevertheless, it gives some insight into views and opinions of

Polish migrants.

Following positive feedback from project Supervisor, the questionnaire has been translated

into Polish language in order to facilitate the understanding and speed up the filling -out

process. After that, piloting of three questionnaires took place. It has been shown that some

petty adjustments concerning mainly the layout of few questions were necessary, in order to

avoid misunderstanding whilst filling out the questionnaire. At the beginning, 30 copies were

printed out and distributed amongst friends, co -workers, fellow students and acquaintance.

Since the response was very positive (ca. 90%), additional copies were given out to some

volunteers, who then pass the questionnaires to their colleagues and flat mates. The

majority of respondents were based in London (87%) and in West Midlands (Evesham,

Birmingham and Bridgewater). In total 55 questionnaires have been collected.

Some of the respondents were asked for feedback shortly after filling out the questionnaire.

The opinion was very positive and in most cases encouraging. The reason may be that the

researchs topic is actual and concerns current affairs. Some of the respondents admitted

that they had had many thoughts recently about possible remigration and they had carefully


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tracked the news in Polish and British media. For others, the questionna ire gave the

opportunity for reflection on the subject, since they had not paid any attention to migration

problems due to lack of time or willingness. As for the type of questions, most of them said

that they were simple but straightforward. However, those with higher-level of English

language were slightly disappointed that the questionnaire was in Polish. In general, the

survey and discussion that followed after were the perfect opportunity for some of the

respondents to reflect on the situation and to w hinge a bit on economy and politics in both

countries.

4.3. Interview

Due to the lack of experience in conducting the interview, careful thoughts went into pre -

interview preparation. Therefore, selection of potential respondents based on availability,

was taken amongst the acquaintances. Each conversation was recorded, however just before

the interview participants were assured that the replies were confidential and their personal

details would not be shared with a third party.

The first interview took place on 20 February 2009 with a fellow student at LSBU canteen.

She is a full-time student in a full-time employment with two dependants in her household: a

child and an unemployed mother. The interview started from a question Why did you

decide to migrate? and then gave the opportunity to give some general thoughts about

migration, her private situation and reflect on the real-life examples of friends who decided

to return to Poland. The topic of the conversation was interesting for both parties, there fore

an interview turned into discussion. However, several important points were mentioned

from a different perspective so they can be used later on in analysing the data.

The second interview took place on 1 March 2009 with two acquaintances in Evesham.

Again, the conversation has started from the same question as above. However, that time,

the interviewer tried to keep a structure of the interview. Both participants answered the

same question, which gave two points of view from two completely different angles: one is

married with three school-age children; the other one is a single, temporary worker. The

main themes in this interview was economic situation in Poland an in the UK, the motives for

possible remigration and opinion about potential social ten sions and hostility towards


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immigrants. At the end, the interviewees were asked to consider how citizens and workers

in Poland would see their potential return.

The final interview took place on 13th March 2009 with five co-workers at One Life13 event

in Kensington Olympia, London. The main theme at the event was a change considered from

different perspective: life, career, job etc. The interviewees took part in several different

seminars during that day and they were influenced by reflective mood, which enriched

greatly the quality of conversation. Four of them are age around 30 with length of stay in the

UK ranged from 3 to 8 years, in full-time employment, without any dependants. One

interviewee is a 25-year old student in part-time employment. The beginning of the

interview followed the same pattern as previous two. It started from questions about the

reason for migration, then there was a discussion about economic situation in both countries

and finished on a debate about expectations before coming to the UK and the reality.

Because of the age of interviewees and the stage of life they are in (according to Ages and

stages psychological theorists: E. Erickson14

, D. Levinson15

), the conversation focused

around relationships with others and reflection on possible forthcoming changes in their life.

4.4. Limitations

In general, conducting process of questionnaire and interviews has received very positive

feedback. The fact that the questionnaire had such a good respond was unexpected but very

encouraging. Moreover, several respondents claim that they are looking forward to see the

outcome. All this means, that the idea for the study on Polish migration has hit the point.

However, the findings from the research would not reflect the views of the whole Polish

population in the UK, as this sample is not a statistical one. Besides, the environment

surrounding labour market keeps changing constantly and new measures might be applied

to keep the research up-to-date. In any case, it is necessary to remind that this study is an

insight into opinions; hence, it contains a number of subjective views. As for the weakness of

13www.onelifelive.co.uk

14Erik Erikson divided human life into 8 stages. He believed that between 19-40 years old an individual is in a

stage when intimate relationships with others are forming. Failure to achieve intimacy leads to isolation and

distance from others. (Arnold, 1997, p.124)15

Daniel Levinson believed that an individual between 28-33 years old comes through so called Age 30

transition, when reappraisal of current life circumstances occurs, spurred on by knowledge that if any long-

term changes are to be made, it will need to be made soon. (Arnold, 1997, p. 132)


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questionnaire, some of the multiple-choice answers in questions 14 to 19 should have been

reformulated. There was also not enough space for giving a personalised answers, therefore

hardly anyone bothered to write them down.

Thanks to the interviewees involvement and willingness to participate in a discussion, the

interview was rich and allowed to study more deeply some of the research questions. The

fact that those conversations were conducted in a native language allows to have their say

on migration matter. The lack of interviewing skills was diminished by extended pre-

interview preparation; however, further practice would be necessary. Nevertheless, the

interviews went surprisingly smoothly and they enriched the whole study. The next chapter

contains analysis of questionnaires findings together with examples from interview and

some secondary sources illustrations.

5. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

This chapter contains analysis of questionnaire and interpretation of the findings. The

detailed report from questionnaire is enclosed in Appendix 6. The analyses were conducted

in three stages based on research questions. Therefore, the first stage focuses on

demographical information in order to find links with statistical information in previous

researchers; the second stage concentrates on reasons for migration, comparison of rates of

pay and analyse the possible human capital devaluation in measuring sectors of employment


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and job titles. Finally, the third stage is an insight into respondents opinion about current

economic conditions in the UK and in Poland, and their attitude towards future plans. In

addition, there are some points that were discussed during interviews, but were not

included in researchs questionnaire such as: social tensions and examples from remigration.

5.1. Stage 1: Demographical data

The purpose of this stage was to identify whether sample used in this research has anything

in common with statistical data provided by previous researches (CRONEM, 2007; Philpott,

2006; Drinkwater, 2006). In essence, to state who took part in the research in terms of

gender, age, education level, marital status, number of dependants, level of English language

and sector of employment. According to psychologists (Biszewska, 2008) there are four

necessary factors to cope well when on immigration: ability to communicate in local

language, integration with local community, goal and long-term plan. Therefore,

demographical factors together with the English language level would help to analyse and

interpret further research findings.

5.1.1. Gender, age, education level, marital status and number of dependants

The total number of questionnaires participants reached 55 with 29 male (52.7%) and 26

female respondents (47.3%) see Table 1. Amongst the questionnaire respondents, 4 males

and 4 females were approached in order to conduct three interviews. According to Table 2,

the vast majority (90.9%) was relatively young 49.1% in an age group 21-30 and 41.8% in

an age group 31-40. Only one respondent was younger than 21 years old and 4 partakers

were over 40 years old.

Table 1: Gender of the participants.

Gender

29 52.7 52.7 52.7

26 47.3 47.3 100.0

55 100.0 100.0

Male

Female

Total

Valid

Frequency Percent Valid Percent

Cumulative

Percent


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Table 2: Age of the participants.

The education level16 represented by participants was mainly above elementary level with

43.6% respondents who finished secondary school, followed by 34.5% with university

degree, then 20% of respondents with vocational qualification and only 1 respondent

completed elementary level of education (the one from the age group less than 21) - see

Table 3. The majority of respondents were married (45.5%), followed by singles (32.7%). The

rest (21.8%) claimed to be in partnership, which is understood as living with a partner ( Table

4). As for number of people on the same income, 34.5% declared having a child or children

as dependants, while 65.5% did not have any dependants ( see Table 5).

Table 3: Education level of the participants.

16There is a significant difference between vocational and secondary school in Poland. Vocational school is a

three-year full-time course with the aim of providing skills for a particular trade. Secondary school gives general

knowledge and usually prepares for further education; it finishes with national examination Matura an

equivalent for British A-level.

Age

27 49.1 49.1 49.1

23 41.8 41.8 90.9

4 7.3 7.3 98.21 1.8 1.8 100.0

55 100.0 100.0

21 - 30

31 - 40

More than 40

Less than 21

Total

Valid


Cumulative

Percent

E

ucatio

level

24 43. 43. 43.

19 34.5 34.5 78.2

11 20.0 20.0 98.2

1 1.8 1.8 100.0

55 100.0 100.0

Secondary

Higher education

Vocational

Elementary

Total

Valid


Cumulative

Percent


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Table 4: Marital status of the participants.

Table 5: Income dependants.

5.1.2. Length of stay in the UK

Since none of the respondents lived in the UK more than 10 years, it could be stated that all

of them belong to the recent migration wave, with 70.9% living in the UK for up to 5 years

and 25.5% more than 5 years ( Table 6).

Table 6: Length of stay in the UK.

5.1.3. Level of English language

As for the level of English language17

, 56.4% declared intermediate language skills, 20%

considered themselves as advanced users, while 18.2% admitted elementary knowledge.

Only 3 respondents regarded their English skills as proficient (see Chart 1).

17The divisions of groups are based on Cambridge ESOL (http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/index.html )

exams; however, the respondents answers are mainly subjective (except those who passed the exam).

Marital stat

s

25 45.5 45.5 45.5

18 32.7 32.7 78.2

12 21.8 21.8 100.055 100.0 100.0

Married

in le

In partnership

Total

Valid


Cumulative

Percent

Dependants

36 65.5 65.5 65.5

19 34.5 34.5 100.0

55 100.0 100.0

No dependants

Child/childre

Total

Valid


Cumulative

Percent

Length

f stay

39 70.9 70.9 70.9

14 25.5 25.5 96.4

2 3.6 3.6 100.0

55 100.0 100.0

1 5 years

5 10 years

Less than one year

Total

Valid


Cumulative

Percent


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Chart 1: English language level represented by participants.

Level of language is positively correlated with length of stay in the UK and the education

level, i.e. the longer stay and the higher education the better ability to communicate in

English (written and spoken) see Table 7.

5.45%

20.0%

56.36%

18.18%Proficiency

Advanced

Intermediate

Elementary

English language level


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28

Table 7: Positive correlation between Length of stay, Education level and English level.

5.1.4. Sector of employment

Before coming to the UK, 25.5% of respondents were students, 18.2% worked in retail,

14.5% were employed in unspecified sector labelled as other, and 10.9% found

employment in transport or building industry. Adequately 5.5% were unemployed, self-

employed or worked in an office or clerical vacancies (see Table 8). The sectors of current

employment in the UK were ticked as follow: 23.6% in other category, 18.2% in transport

and building, 14.5% in finance sector, 12.7% both in manufacturing and retail sector (see

Table 9). None of the respondents claimed to be unemployed or just in education. Further

analysis and comparisons of employments sectors in both countries are conducted in part

5.2.

Table 8: Sector of current occupation in the UK.

Corr

l

tions

1 .

1** .

**

.

.

.

1** 1 .

. . 13

55 55 55

.

** . 33 1

.

. 13

55 55 55

Pears rrelati

i ! . ( " -tailed)

N

Pears rrelati

i ! . ( " -tailed)

N

Pears rrelati

i ! . ( " -tailed)

N

Englis # language level

$ engt # f stay

Educati n level

Englis#

language

level $ engt # f stay

Educati n

level

rrelati n is significant at t # e . 1 level ( " -tailed).**.

Sectorofcurrent occupation in t%

e UK

13 23. 23. 23.

10 18.2 18.2 41.8

8 14.5 14.5 56.47 12.7 12.7 69.1

7 12.7 12.7 81.8

5 9.1 9.1 90.9

4 7.3 7.3 98.2

1 1.8 1.8 100.0

55 100.0 100.0

Ot # er

Trans&

rt/building

FinanceManufacturing

Retail

' s & itality

Housekeeping

Office/clerical

Total

(

alid

Frequency Percent(

alidPercent

umulative

Percent


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29

.

Table 9: Sector of occupation in Poland before moving to the UK.

5.2. Stage 2: Human capital depreciation, the main reasons for migration and

expectations

The purpose of this stage is to find an answer for the second research question: What was

the Polish immigrants in the UK the main reasons for migration? What did they expect

before moving to the UK? Did they experience depreciation of human capital when employedin the UK? Therefore, there is a comparison of sectors of employment and job titles held in

both countries and average rates of pay (as a possible main push factor for economic

migration). There is also an attempt to investigate whether there is brain drain or brain

gain effect (Staubhaar, 2002). Finally, there is an analysis of expectations whether they

were higher than reality met, and whether respondents could be categorize as people on a

swing (Ministry of Economy Report, 2007).

5.2.1. Sectors of employment and job titles comparisons Table 10 compares sectors of respondents employment in previous occupations in Poland

and in current vacancies in the UK. Since 14 (25.5%) respondents claimed being in full time

education in Poland, it could be assumed that they have not had previous job experience

before coming to the UK. However, investigation whether students are employed in the

same field they were studying was beyond the research subject. Since only one box was

Sectorofoccupation in Poland before leaving to t) e UK

14 25.5 25.5 25.5

10 18.2 18.2 43.6

8 14.5 14.5 58.2

6 10.9 10.9 69.1

3 5.5 5.5 74.5

3 5.5 5.5 80.0

3 5.5 5.5 85.5

2 3.6 3.6 89.1

2 3.6 3.6 92.7

2 3.6 3.6 96.4

1 1.8 1.8 98.2

1 1.8 1.8 100.0

55 100.0 100.0

Student

Retail

Ot 0 er

Transport/building

Self-employed

Unemployed

Office/clerical

Housekeeping

Medical/care

Finance

Hospitality

Manufacturing

Total

1

alid

Frequency Percent1

alidPercent

2

umulative

Percent


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30

available to tick in question 12 (see Appendix 3), it is not clear if some of migrants are also

studying in the UK. Assuming that manufacturing, transport/building, housekeeping and

hospitality are semi-skilled sectors, more respondents admitted to be employed in those

sectors in the UK than in Poland. On the other hand, there was an increase in employment in

financial sector, which would rather suggest proper use of skills of employed migrants.

Table 10: Comparison of sectors of employment where participants were employment andare currently working.

Single comparison of the sectors of employment in both countries does not tell the whole

story, therefore, respondents were asked to write down their job title ( Table 14 in Appendix

4). On the other hand, job titles are highly sophisticated in todays workplaces, thus, it is not

possible to conduct reasonable comparison and state whether migrants skills and

experience gained in Poland are used in the UK. Since students left Poland after receiving

education, it can be stated that Poland experience brain drain. However, it is not clear if the

UKs employers come across brain gain effect and whether they make use of it. Overall, the

sample used in this research was too small and is not representative enough to state

whether Poles face depreciation of human capital.

Sect femployment

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Self-employed

Student

Unemployed

Hospitality

Housekeeping

Medical/care

Office/clerical

Transport/building

Manufacturing

Retail

Finance

Other

UKPoland


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5.2.2. Rates of pay comparison As for the rate of pay, 33 respondents answered the question about average monthly

18

salary rate in Poland. The rate was given in a local currency, however for the purpose of this

report it was converted into pound sterling at the rate of 1 = PLN4.8726 (on 13.03.09).

Conversely, the rate of pay in the UK is given on hourly basis, which complicates

comparisons. In current employment, 80% of respondents earn between 5.73 and 10,

16.4% take more than 10, and only 2 respondents receive a rate below national minimum

rate (5.73). The findings are summarised below:

Poland p/m UK p/h

Maximum 1, 231.00 Maximum 12.00

Minimum 154.00 Minimum 5.00

Mean 393.52 Mean 6.73

Median 308.00 Median 7.85

In order to compare data from both countries, following calculation are necessary: average

pay in the UK (6.73) * average monthly hours (ca 21 working days in a month, 8 hours per

day) / tax and insurance contribution (ca 20%):

Average pay Hours Before tax After tax

6.73 168 1,130.73 942.28

Having all the calculations done, it is clearly seen that mean wages in Poland (394) are more

than twice as less as the average one in the UK (942). Moreover, there is a large gap

between maximum and minimum wage received in Poland and, what is more striking,

median wage (308) is smaller than mean (394) i.e. more than 50% of respondents earned

less than average. In the UK, respondents wages are rather evenly distributed. However, it

should be remembered that this is comparison of historical data (before arriving to the UK)

and the current one. Therefore, time, wage inflation, and cost of living are not taken into

consideration.

18In Poland, the wage is always given on a monthly rate basis.


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5.2.3. Reasons for migrationAccording to Chart 2 below, the most popular reason for migration with respondents was an

adventure in a different country (40%). The outcome is not surprising, since the majority of

participants were below 30 years old when coming to the UK. EU enlargement has opened

the possibility to travel and work in Western Europe without employment permission.

Therefore, young people have used this opportunity to taste Western lifestyle on the same

conditions as the other EU memb ers. The second and third reasons given were: being fed up

with economic and political situation in Poland (27%) and being forced to migrate by

financial circumstances (20%). Those two answers are quite similar and go hand in hand with

overall trends in Poland19

.

Chart 2: Reasons for migration.

19According to CBOS (2009), the attitude towards economic situation in Poland is as follows: bad 45%,

neither good nor bad 40%, good 10%; whereas the attitude towards political situation in Poland is as

follows: bad almost 50%, neither good nor bad less than 40%, good ca 10%.

73 27%

203 0%

13 82%

273 27% 33 64%

403 0%

O4 he 5

6 had no o 4 he57

hoi7

e8 e

7

au9 e o@

A ye

7

onoA i7

9 i4 ua 4 ion3

6 wan4 ed 4 o B e 4 away@

5 oA C

oland3

6 wa9@

ed up wi4 he

7

onoA i7

andpoli4 i

7

al 9 i4 ua4 ion inC oland3

6

@

el4 liA i4 ed inC oland3

6 wan4 ed 4 o 4 5 y9 oA e4 hinB new3

Why did you de ide to migrate?


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33

In general, Poles criticize an extensive bureaucracy in the native country, the

administrational red tapes in setting up a business (Lucas, 2006), and a troubled political

scene. The best summary was given by one interviewee I will think about remigration if

the situation in Poland changes 180 degrees. Poles believe that neighbouring countries,

especially in the West, are better managed. Overall, Poles share European values and are

happy with its policies, with around 85% EU supporters and only around 10% EU opponents

(CBOS, 2009). As for the financial situation, it is necessary to remind that unemployment

rate in 2003 reached nearly 20% (see Appendix 2), and wages were much below European

average. Just to quote one of the respondents I decided to migrate because we didnt have

enough money even for basic needs. I heard that a situation is better in the UK, so I decided

to give it a try.The answers in Other category concerned joining family, personal problems

and improving English language.

5.2.4. Expectations before moving to the UK Respondents participating in this research were rather realistic with (54.5%) admitting that

conditions in migration are tough, but expected. There is also a high percentage of

positively disappointed [sic] participants (30.9%). Seven respondents were disappointed or

very disappointed, however, without giving a reason (see Table 11). During the interview,

one conclusion was as follows: I was prepared that if I wanted to try something new, I would

have to start from scratch. I left quite a good job in Poland and the first job I could find in the

UK was cleaning, just because I could not speak English. () The first year was the worst one,

but later on, it was better and better. I dont regret that I came here. I think that if I stayed in

Poland, I would have been stuck in the sa me job and I wouldnt have learned what I know

now another way of living.

What dD

yD

E think abD

E t yD

E rexpeF

tatiD

ns befD

re cD

G ing tD

the UK and the reality yD

E G et

hereH

30 54,5 54,5 54,5

17 30,9 30,9 85,5

5 9,1 9,1 94,5

2 3,6 3,6 98,2

1 1,8 1,8 100,0

55 100,0 100,0

I

P

'Q

P

ouR

h, S uP

I expeT

P

ed iP

U

I

P

'Q

S eP P

e VP

han IP

houR

hP

U

I

P

'Q

wo VQ

eP

han IP

houR

hP

U

I ' W ve V y diQ

appoinP

ed U

OP

he VX

oP

al

Valid

F V equenT

y Pe VT

enP

Valid Pe VT

enP

Cu W ulaP

ive

Pe VT

enP


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34

Table 11: Expectations before moving to the UK.

5.3. Stage 3: Current economic situation and plans toward the future

It was already mentioned in Chapter 2 that the UKs economy is confirmed to be in a

recession state, while Poland is undoubtedly heading in the same direction. Although, Polish

economic growth is predicted to be higher than the British one, and recession in general

terms should not hit such forcefully like in the West, the United Kingdom has more resources

to tackle turbulences, and as a developed country has more experience in a free market than

Polands young market economy. It is interesting time now, as migrants start to question

themselves whether they should stay in the UK or perhaps return to Poland. Therefore, this

research studies also respondents plans towards future whether they have precise future

vision, or perhaps they leave their options open and they plan to ada pt to the new

environment.

5.3.1. Current economic situation in the UK and in Poland.

As economic downturn is relatively new experience, most of the researchs respondents

were not faced with its effects yet, and their opinion is built mostly on medias news. The

economic crisis has not directly touched me or my family. I know about the crisis from media,

but I feel its breath on my back.There were two questions in a survey concerning this topic

with exactly the same answers to make comparison straightforward. Chart 3 below shows

the outcome:


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Chart 3: Opinion about economic situation in the UK and in Poland.

It is interesting to note that 62% of respondents believed that situation in the UK will get

better in comparison to 24% who argue that situation in Poland will improve. This finding

goes is in line with CBOS trends mentioned before (see footnote in 5.2.3.) that Poles has in

general negative opinion about economic situation in their own country. It seems that this

view is very strong, so even migrants who do not live in Poland any more, have still

pessimistic attitude. If beliefs towards improvement in troubled economies play a role in

decision about remigration, most of the respondents will choose to stay in the UK expecting

faster and better recovery. As one of the interviewees said: I feel safer in the UK because of

social benefits. Here, the thought of loosing a job is not a cause for a sleepless night.

Moreover, migrants are emotionally prepared that [their] financial situation could get

worseand are aware of cyclical pattern in the economy. The general view within migrants

was rationally staited during the interview: Average job, average costs therefore recession

has an average impact on us. The more you have the more you can loose.

5

.3

.2

. Plans towards the nearest future

As environment keeps changing at ever-faster pace, people tend to pursue a strategy of

intentional unpredictability, when they choose not to restrict themselves by specific time

frames. The majority of respondents answered I dont know, Ill see how it goes in both

questions concerning the future 42% and 36% respectively (see Table 12 and 13). Although

the answers given to those questions are different which complicates slightly comparison,

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

It gets better. Y othing will

hange.

It gets worse. I don't a now.

b K

P c land


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36

the pattern is very similar. The majority is undecided and they choose to wait and see how

the situation clarifies. The second group is formed by typical seasonal migrants, those who

came to the UK in order to earn money and then invest in home country (27% and 16%). The

third group concern is to settle down in the UK (24% and 16%). The rest either think that

Polishs government persuasion to remigration is only a political propaganda (13%), either

they want to move to other countries (7%) or they are giving other reasons (see Table 13). It

is worth to note that very similar migrations patterns were described in CRONEM (2007)

research (see Chapter 2.5.) together with the findings that the biggest group is created by

those undecided. One of the interviewees described intentional unpredictability when he

said: Every year I promise myself that this is my last year in the UK, but nothing comes out

from my plans. So I stay here, waiting for something, not knowing what exactly, and

watching the events.

Table 12: Intended length of stay in the UK .

How lod

ge

o you id

tf d

e

tog

tay id

th

f

i

p

q

23 41,8 41,8 41,8

15 27,3 27,3 69,1

13 23,6 23,6 92,7

4 7,3 7,3 100,0

55 100,0 100,0

Ir s t

't kt s

w, I'll s u u v s w

it gs u

s.

I'm w l x t t t i t g t s st xy

x

s w l u s fy

u x rs s rs s

x t r t v u t ru t rt fs r g s s r

x t ri t

u st i t s

lx t r

.

I'm w l x t t i t g t s s u ttl u

r sw t i t t

v uUK.

I'm w l x t t i t g t s st xy

x

s w l u s fy

u xrs s rs s

x t r t v u t m s

u t s

x t st

v ur s t tr

y

.

T s t x l

x li r

ru u t y

ur

u tt

x li r u

r u t

t

m l x ti

u

ur

u tt


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37

Table 13: Opinions towards remigration.

According to psychologist A. Major (Gingal, 2008), pursuing intentional unpredictability

strategy allows to avoid disappointments, however it provides additional migration stress as

an individual cannot follow own lifestyle and live according to values.

5.3.3. Additional information

The purpose of conducting interviews was to provide further study into the subject by asking

in depth questions. During the interview, some extra topics were discussed in addition to

questionnaire. The first one was concerned about possible social tensions between local

community and migrants due to the fear of redundancy. Since it is closely related to

economic downturn and it is a recent threat, it is hard to judge whether migrants are in

danger of social hostility. If British were to loose their jobs and Poles were to work, then

there might be some dust-ups. You can already here in media: British jobs for British

people.However, none of the interviewees had first -hand experience in this matter.

The second additional topic during the interview was about examples of people who decided

to remigrate. All of the interviewees knew at least one person who returned to Poland. The

examples given were on both sides of spectrum: encouraging and dispiriting. Some of

What d

y

think ab

t ret

rn t

land

20 36,4 36,4 36,4

9 16,4 16,4 52,7

9 16,4 16,4 69,1

7 12,7 12,7 81,8

5 9,1 9,1 90,9

3 5,5 5,5 96,4

2 3,6 3,6 100,0

55 100,0 100,0

I don't know, I'll see.

I don't want to return,

because I want to settle

down in the K.

I want to return,

because I can't see my

future in the K.

I think that all that fuss

is just a political

propa anda.

I want to return,but I'm

fri htended that I won't

handle it.

ther

I want to return because

my family and friends

are persuadin me.

Total

Valid


Cumulative

Percent


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38

migrants moved back because of the familys pressures or redundancy in the UK. Others

moved from England to other countries (in word-of-mouth two popular migration

destinations are Norway and Australia). Others are planning to return and keep post poning

the decision. One of the respondents recalled couple of families who intend to return to

Poland, even though their financial situation will be reduced. For them, the atmosphere,

family, return to hometown is what really matters. They are tired of b eing worse than locals.

The last point is very interesting, as it is often heard that migrants feel like second-class

citizens. Despite having real-life models of successful return to Poland, interviewees believed

that those examples would not influence their decision. As income was the most important

factor for one of the respondents, he said: If someone guaranteed me the same income in

Poland as I receive over here, I wouldnt hesitate to return.

In a special edition of Polish magazine Styles and Characters (Style i Charaktery, 2009, p.

71), there is a letter from a male migrant talking about his experience after returning from

one-year working practice in the UK. He believes that the difference between the Western

Europe and Poland was that people were able to earn a livelihood and paid off debt from an

average income in the West, whereas in Poland it was not possible. Apart from that,

everything else was the same. He also argues, that many people considered well-paid job in

the UK as a solution for all of their problems. However, when migration involves separation

from the loved ones, it could be the worst decision in their life. The other side of a story is

given by a female migrant interviewed by Biszewska (2008) after few months of working

experience in Poland, who said: Now, I think that in London or Dublin I felt happier. Even

though the scheme work-home-work is exactly the same here and there, I felt free over

there. There was no pressure to be clever, capable, well educated, and good-looking. There

was no pressure to earn well and have a family with plenty happy offspring. I have an

impression that there is no place for individualism in Poland. () So if you dont fit, you fall

through the cracks. These women admitted to consider return again to the UK. Overall,

there is an impression that migrants are putting life on hold, both: here in the UK, and when

they return to Poland.


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5.4. Summary

Since, statistics mentioned in Chapter 2.5 described A8 migrants (including Poland) as

relatively young (82% aged 18-34), footloose and with little or no dependant responsibility,

therefore findings in this research confirm previous study. However, age group 18 34

contains people of so called reproductive age, when individuals tend to settle down and

have children. Therefore, number of dependants may grow and tendency to remigrate to

Poland may decrease as children start attending to school in the UK. Moreover, living in such

a multi-cultural society as Britain (especially London) allows to find a part ner from different

cultural background, which also reduces the tendency to return to Poland. As one of the

interviewees summarized: It will be hard for us to get used to live in Poland, because we

have found out the other lifestyle, we have met people from different cultures and we have

learned other point of view. Our horizons are much wider now.

Majority of respondents (74.5%) came to the UK after Polands accession to the EU

community (May 2004). All of them are in permanen

Hrm Dissertation 4

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