The current economic situation in the UK has already forced many Poles to go back home. For many casual workers earning their living in the UK no longer makes (economic) sense. They came here to seek a better live, mostly because Poland’s unemployment rate in recent years went through the roof. But without a strong pound, with rising unemployment here and improving job prospects in Poland many of those who didn’t manage to settle in the UK go back.
And a UK-based organisation called Poland Street saw that as an opportunity to encourage even more Poles to return home. They’ve liaised with local Polish councils to start a massive promotional push for Polish cities. Its aim is to encourage Poles living in the UK to come back to a new and improved Poland.
Twelve big Polish cities will over the next few months showcase their recent achievements and come with specific job offers. Or at least job promises. Which, you have to admit, should be welcomed by at least a fraction of the Polish community in the UK.
Szczecin came first and its presentation attracted around 200 people, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but remember it was the first such trip and the big hitters like Warszawa, Kraków, Poznań etc. are still to come.
So what did Szczecin offer? Over 500 jobs, including 300 for IT specialists, cheap housing and a promise of many more jobs. Szczecin also wants to attract British tourists and exchange students.
It all sounds good, Poland Street’s initiative can certainly be described as laudable, but there are some obvious questions: are the jobs better paid than their Uk equivalents? Will Poland’s unemployment rate keep going down in the current economic climate or suffer a ‘relapse’? Is there enough support for those who want to come back? Will the infamous Polish red tape be cut? Will becoming self-employed be easier than it has been so far?
I guess those questions are valid and will be asked time and time again, so whoever comes next had better have good and convincing answers to them. Other cities, like Wrocław, tried a couple of years ago, but back then nobody heard of the credit crunch and life in the UK seemed so much more attractive. Now, with good answers and good offers, those who snubbed Wrocław’s offer back then might be tempted.
Up next: Katowice in March. I’ll keep an eye on what they have to offer. Not because I’m thinking of relocating. It’s simply my home turf….
SEE MORE:
→ Do you have a PLan?
→ How to pronounce Polish city names?
Image © Szymon Stoma via Flickr, used under CC licence
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