the POLSKI blog

21 Apr, 2009

Fact or myth? Poles are leaving the UK

Posted by: Michał In: fact or myth?

I’ve been asked several times recently whether it’s true that Poles in the UK are going back home for good. The simplest answer is: I don’t know.

To start with, it’s never been clear how many Poles have actually settled in the UK since Poland joined the EU. I remember reporting on the influx of Polish workers in 2004/2005 and there was no reliable source of any accurate statistical data to back up any claims. So all estimates back then – whether greatly exaggerated or diplomatically lowered – were just that – estimates.

Anecdotal evidence would suggest that yes, some Poles, particularly those who were employed in the construction industry or agriculture have gone back.

But the same anecdotal evidence would suggest that many have stayed put.

What’s your view on that? Have your Polish friends gone back home? Are there fewer Polish baristas in London? Post a comment below and let me – and my readers know and maybe together we’ll find an answer…

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7 Responses to "Fact or myth? Poles are leaving the UK"

1 | TomaszNo Gravatar

April 21st, 2009 at 10:51 pm

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I believe it is true. Two of my close friends – both not construction workers – have actually gone home. I know of ohers who left too. But some of them have come back since :)
As polish baristas go I think there are fewer but not because they left but due to the fact they progressed to ‘better’ jobs.

2 | MaggieNo Gravatar

April 22nd, 2009 at 5:12 pm

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I’m not entirely sure if this is true. I only know two people who have done so and one who’s planning to and their returns were not caused by the economic downturn. I, for one thing, am not going anywhere :)

3 | Claire TaylorNo Gravatar

April 28th, 2009 at 10:37 pm

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The five Poles I know are still here. In my area there are more Turkish and Hungarians and Italians now too.

4 | MirandaNo Gravatar

May 11th, 2009 at 9:48 am

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The supermarkets have or nearly stopped supplying Polish food eg Salt Sticks, jars of food etc. Tescos, Co-op have stopped I think. Does this mean that the Poles are going home or that there are more Polish run delis etc?

5 | MichałNo Gravatar

May 11th, 2009 at 10:54 pm

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Not sure what it means, all I know is that I actually see more Polish food at my local supermarkets. But then again, maybe London is not indicative of the rest of the country.

6 | Jacek ConradNo Gravatar

January 26th, 2010 at 9:34 pm

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I have heard many stories about Poles going home
but there are no credible data/statistics to prove that
theory.
Some of my friends who worked at construction sites in London have in fact left UK and gone back to Poland.
However I think that people who work and live here and came a few years ago can see and appreciate many benefits/pros of being here versus staying in Poland.
I try to be open minded and see lots of positives in Uk like e.g. excellent opportunities and assistance in starting a business, generally nice and helping people and great atmosphere here.
Spoke with some Polish who had gone back home and they are considering to come back here.

Conrad

7 | SiegfriedNo Gravatar

December 22nd, 2011 at 12:32 pm

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I am living in UK and I am not planning to go back to Poland. Some people did it but there’s no work in poland now. so they are back abroad

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The POLSKI blog is written by Michał, a Polish journalist, writer, one-time language teacher and linguist, living and working in London.

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