Central-East European employees on the labour market of London

Imola Cseh Papp,Erika Varga,Norbert Bozsik

doi:10.33605/croma-012018-004

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of our exploratory research was to get acquainted with the socio-demographic characteristics, motivations, workplace conditions and social participation of foreign workers from different Central and Eastern European countries to London. Design/methodology/approach – The survey was conducted as a questionnaire in London, in English and Hungarian. The sample (n = 307) is based on individuals coming from different countries to London who are legally working. The pattern came through personal relationships. Examining the characteristics of the examined sample with descriptive statistics and the relationship between the examined quality variables were analysed by a Chi-square test. The investigation is primarily exploratory, but it also reveals some cause and effect relationships. Findings – Our study gives an overview of the motivation, characteristics and integration of the Central-East European employees in England in a theoretical and empirical context and publishes the main findings of the examinations on integration. In general, it can be stated that social integration was achieved to a certain extent in the case of the examined sample. The research and analysis are justified by the globalisation of the labour market and the increasing transnational migration. Research limitations/implications – The review aims at detail and thoroughness, but it is not complete. The findings at the end of the analysis are rather thought provoking, but we hope that we can also contribute to scientific and everyday discourse on migration. Practical implications – The conclusions of the study provide an adequate framework for the development of a rational economic policy program, which is the basis for future development, for the conscious development of the future of our region. Originality/Value – The novelty of the study lies in the composition of the sample on the one hand, and on the other hand, the study mainly focuses on the labour market. Keywords: Central and Eastern European employees, integration, labour migration, geographic mobility. Research type: research paper. JEL classification: J15 – Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labour Discrimination J61 – Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

Highlights

While West European countries are struggling with mass immigration of migrants and refugees, Central and Eastern Europe face the challenges of emigration
The original idea that Central and Eastern Europe will attract investors due to their cheap wages, which will trigger economic growth, is hard to come to fruition
The objective of the research was to get acquainted with the motivation and integration of workers from various Central and Eastern European countries to London

Summary

Introduction

While West European countries are struggling with mass immigration of migrants and refugees, Central and Eastern Europe face the challenges of emigration. It is not enough to examine emigration in itself and in absolute terms, as the process is mostly of a temporary nature, that is, some of the individuals are relocating to their homeland over time Considering this phenomenon, net foreign migration has been declining in several countries. According to IMF data, Central and Eastern European emigration reduced the annual GDP of some countries in the region between 1999 and 2014 by 0.6-0.9 percent. This is the other effect of foreign employment. With their return, remedy the shortage of skilled labour, which was caused by their departure This may give new impetus to investment in the region as it converges the economy of the eastern and western part of Europe. The legal environment and the quality of education have improved, Western work culture has become more widespread, and sometimes even governance (Fruchter, Sielewicz, 2017)

Research methodology

Findings

Conclusions