As the prospect of life in recession-struck Britain becomes far less lucrative, the number of Eastern European migrants moving to the UK has dropped by over 40%.
The official immigration figures, published today by the Office of National Statistics show that just 29,000 work applications were received from individuals looking to make the move from Eastern Europe in the final three months of 2008. This is down from 53,000 applications received during the same period of 2007.
Furthermore, the vast majority of Easter European workers coming to Britain are younger than before – 78% fall into the 18-34 age group – and travelling alone - only 11% of applicants reported bringing dependents with them.
Until recently Eastern European workers have proved a valuable resource to many British companies. However, as the full impact of the ‘credit crunch’ takes its toll on an already-struggling economy and mass-unemployment becomes a very real issue, the prospects for those looking to make their fortune are significantly less rosy.
According to Immigration Minister, Phil Woolas, this is the lowest number of applications to work in the UK received since ten additional European countries, including Poland, Czech Republic, Malta and Cyprus, became members of the EU in 2004.
