Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

This qualitative study examines Polish migration to London in the context of Poland joining the European Union (EU). The study consists of semi-structured interviews with key informants from the Polish community in London, Polish centres and church groups. There are also three focus groups conducted with recent Polish migrants to London. Recent Polish migration has been seen as transient, involving short periods of migration and frequent returns to the home country. The study explores Polish migrants' attitudes to living in London, their expected duration of stay and their plans to return home. It analyses how Poland’s accession to the EU impacts on migrants’ attitudes to settling in the UK. It also examines the social networks used by Polish migrants and how these networks provide information, practical support (e.g. jobs), as well as friendship, asking if these networks aid settlement or reinforce transience. Further information is available from the ESRC's award web page.

Main Topics:

Polish migration, EU enlargement, social networks.

Purposive selection/case studies

Face-to-face interview

Focus group