In 2004 eight more nations became members of the European Union.  This gave citizens of these states the opportunity to seek work in other EU member states, particularly those who would grant full work rights to all EU citizens.

During the two years alone it is estimated that around 500,000 workers from the eight EU accession states had arrived in the UK of which over 60% were from Poland.

The main reason for migration to the UK is the lure of more money, with wages in Poland at the time they became a member state of the EU often being as little as £200 a month.

The UK generally welcomes Polish migrant workers as they have a reputation for being hard working and are often prepared to do jobs that many UK nationals will not do.

Many Polish migrants take the Catholic faith very seriously which has seen church attendance up in most areas they have settled, with some churches needing to do extra services to meet demand.

The Global recession has seen many Poles returning home from the UK, with wages in Poland having doubled over a five year period, whilst there has been little movement in UK wages, combined with the Polish Zloty strengthening against the Pound so the exchange rate is only around two thirds of what it was in 2004.  In 2010 figures show that migration to the UK from the eight EU accession states is less than the numbers returning home.

Here we try to provide some more information on Polish migration to the UK, and try to offer useful resources and help for Polish people living in the UK.

For legal advice with Polish language translation contact No win No fee claims lawyers at Winston Solicitors LLP or visit Twitter @claimsconnexion. Polish speaking compensation specialists.