Back in 2004, when Britain opened her borders to the ten new EU countries, the Home Office predicted that between 5,000 and 13,000 Eastern Europeans would give work in Britain a try. As it happened, some 350,000 Poles have settled in Britain alone. It is the largest influx of foreigners to the British Isles in over three hundred years. However, whilst some newspapers have been sounding the alarm bells, by and large, the overall British reaction has been resoundingly positive, as was echoed in today's 'Times':
'They tend to be young, conscientious and in many cases highly skilled. They often speak English as well as the natives, if not better. Employers testify to the fact that Poles have filled the jobs that local workers are unable or unwilling to do, and are industrious and reliable. Economists calculate that by relieving labour shortages and pay pressures, the Poles have contributed to economic growth and held down inflation and interest rates. When their own economy is stronger, many of the Poles will return home. In the meantime, we should celebrate the fact that they are here.'
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