Introduction

Recent research by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that more than 17 million Polish individuals live outwith their country of birth – and many of them now live within the UK. Today Poles are still one of the fast-growing ethnic markets in northern Europe.

In order to accommodate this migration a number of Polish-orientated businesses and organisations have evolved in recent years. This includes restaurants, schools, retail outlets and clubs. In addition, many Polish immigrants are well-educated and seeking to develop their skillsets futher.

Polish statistics for the UK:

• Around one million Poles live in the UK today

• The majority of the Polish population in the UK is aged 21-35

• Around 50% of Polish nationals have been resident in the UK for more than three years

• The average Polish migrant takes home £424 a week compared with £395 for UK-born workers' (The Guardian newspaper)