As ëThe Timesí reports* that the wave of immigration that helped fuel Britainís 21st century boom is over, Helen Stacey of Smart Recruitment claims there are as many reasons for foreign workers to stay in the South West as to return home.
Helen comments, ìThe South West of England is unique in many ways, not least in having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the UK at 4%, but in the opportunities it presents to all its inhabitants, Polish and other Eastern European immigrants alike.î
Businesses in the region are confident the influx of immigrant workers will continue to positively impact the South West with Bournemouth Airport adding new and additional flights to and from Poland to cater for this.
ìThe construction work thatís anticipated leading up to the 2012 Olympics will have a significant impact on the area, with the sailing facilities at Osprey Quay in Portland taking centre stage.î Continues Helen.
Sally Windsor of Bournemouth Airport comments, ìThe decision taken by Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air to offer flights to and from Eastern European destinations has been made based on recent and anticipated future trends and we hope the impact of this trend will continue to benefit the local economy. We now provide six flights a week catering for the immigrant population and the routes have been well received.î
The Times report has established that for the first time Poles leaving the country are outnumbering those coming in. The combination of the tightening economic conditions in this country, a comparatively weak pound and an unprecedented surge in the Polish economy has made it unattractive for Poles to remain.
Helen concludes, ìThe South West is a unique case in point and we are continuing to see an influx of immigrants to the region. Educated employers are increasingly demanding the work ethic demonstrated by EU workers, as they generally make such loyal, reliable and hard working employees. We are confident we will continue to welcome Eastern European workers to the South West region for some time to come.î
Source - * The Times, Saturday 16th Feb.
EU Workers ëhere to stayí say Smart Recruitment
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