your comments
Monika
I am originaly from Czech Republic and I came to UK about 12 years ago. When I first arrived it was very difficult for me but it seemed that British people were much more friendlier and definitely wanted to know more about my background and country. I got married within 2 years coming to UK as I was very lucky finding my husband and his family who is very supportive. I have to say that the attitude of British towards migrant workers has drastically changed and that is mainly due to the recession and loss of employment for many here in UK. We hear on regular basis that migrant workers are here to steal jobs from British but it is complete rubbish and no matter what country you are from you should be treated with respect and equally to others as long as you pay your way.
Thu Jun 18 13:38:42 2009
Kozlowska, Zofia - Preston, Lancs
We moved to Penley in 1968 when I was 6 yrs old. At 1st we found it hard as the Welsh children didn't like our English accent. So, as children, we were picked on by other kids. Things got better after a while. Penley was a great adventurous place when I was a child. It has changed so much...shame :(
Mon Jun 15 08:03:12 2009
Monika S
Hello there! I am Polish immigrant too (since before EU expansion). I have noticed that all posts in "defense" of Polish migrants bring up the fact that we take up poorly paid occupations which nobody else is willing to perform - so it's good for the UK economy. My problem here is quite the opposite - It's the prejudice that if I am Polish then my work should be underpaid, I should perform unattractive tasks or that It's OK to discriminate against me and fire me nastily. I consider myself primarily as a Polish national living in the UK rather than "Polish migrant worker".
Fri Jun 5 07:41:12 2009
Chris, Connah's Quay
Pete from Baltimore, yes they basically provide labour on a day to day basis although the period of employment may be a few shifts or continue for many years, depending on what it was originally intending to cover, for instance, many companies employ seasonal temps to cover short term requirements when demand for their products will be high say an ice cream factory during the summer months. Other companies may use temps to cover long term sick or maternity leave but many companies use it just to provide a flexible work force as they put it (easy to hire and fire) and many people stay in work as an agency temp with one company for years. It is important to remember that one of the big problems with temporarywork is that it can make it very difficult to get credit or a mortgage and it's not just used by smaller companies or just for un-skilledworkers, temps cover the whole spectrum of jobs in many British companies from production jobs to engineering and administration.The agency which employs them are responsible for paying salaries, national insurance contributions and income tax etc.
Mon May 18 10:30:42 2009
Pete from Baltimore, MD, USA
As an American I am curious, what are these employment agencies? Are they like the temporary labour agencies in the USA that basically 'rent' workers out for the day and send workers to a new site every few days or are they something completely different? I am just curious because I find it interesting reading about your immigration issues and how you look at the issue, and comparing it to how we deal with it. I don't know who is better with dealing with the issue, but the issue is definitely looked at differently.
Mon Apr 20 10:43:58 2009
Frank, Bristol
Hi, I don't fully understand the comment regarding 'trade union advantages from employing polish workers'. I work as a construction site manager and it has now become common practice that the supply of trades and labour be agency sourced. Most of the un-skilled labour workers and up to 80% that have worked on my sites have been foreign workers (not just Polish). I am constantly being asked to 'sort' out problems these guys have with the agencies. Many get underpaid never to see the money they are owed and can do little about it. I cannot say that this is still the case, but, many are payed below the nat-av by the agencies taking 'admin' fees from them up to £1 for every hour insisting that the money is needed to find them future works. These guys live in fear of being dropped by the agencies and losing work contacts. Many are under great stress. Many Polish agencies now advertise in the UK and many companies are using them. These are not workers already living in the UK, but guys sent direct from EU countries. How can we control their employment conditions in regard of terms of employment and pay?
Fri Feb 27 11:38:42 2009
Piotrek
Folks, bear in mind you cannot draw conclusions about the nature of immigration after having watched one-off reportage. I'm Polish, I'm proud of it. Also, I'm confident enough to claim my English (both written and spoken) is definitely on a par with that of yours :D Frankly speaking, my heart gets literally broken when I read some unwelcoming and spiteful comments of yours. No figure some people don't want to integrate!
Thu Feb 12 09:34:46 2009
Sue, Flint
I have commented on this site before but I have to say I did enjoy Jacek's journey on 'New Nation'. I think he struggles with the English language in the first instance. Where I live the Polish community all seem to speak in their own language which seems to frustrate both English and Welsh speakers. What I liked about the programme was that it gave an insight into the other side of the issue so to speak - anyway I enjoyed it but would have liked to have known more about the Polish community as a whole.
Wed Feb 11 09:36:22 2009
Dafydd Humphreys Nasareth
The BBC prog 'New Nation' was both insulting and showed how interested he was NOT in speaking Welsh or fitting in. For me I look after my own and don't see him as my community!
Tue Feb 10 09:16:10 2009
Peter Bletchley
I have read all the comments and I am sure all of those against eastern European workers are very very badly educated with no degrees or any skills. They want to complain because they are used to complaining instead of working. As long as migrants are working here and paying tax you can stay at home.
Mon Feb 2 09:32:16 2009
Nick, Webteam
Look out for a forthcoming TV programme from the perspective of Polish immigrant Jacek Lepczynski who stops off in Wrexham as part of a 750-mile Welsh road trip to help him decide whether his future lies here in Wales or back in Poland.
Fri Jan 30 10:32:30 2009
Pete
Tony, you sound very melodramatic. How old are you exactly? Sounds to me you should travel more (domestic-wise and overseas too!) Two more things Tony... football supporters from all across the UK are famous for their thuggish behaviour especially when leaving overseas! ;) Also, ask who inflates prices of accommodation back in Poland when it comes to attractive locations.
Mon Jan 26 08:37:54 2009
Tony, Newmarket
My home town is dying. All the houses are being rented and now being brought by Polish people,for cheap accomadation for Polish people. I wonder when the English go to Poland for work in a couple of years when Britain is dead will they will be so accommodating? Like they are with foreign football players, playing and receiving abusive chants from the terraces.
Mon Jan 19 09:51:47 2009
Kincho from Wrexham
I worked abroad for ten years and didn't have to put up with much. Why blame immigrants, it's Europe!
Wed Jan 7 08:33:23 2009
Roman Szandrowski, Shrewsbury
My father was in the camp at Penley as a masseur, his name was Micheal Szandrowski. He married my mum in Bolton in June 5 1948. Her name was Marie Jurchyshyn then they moved to Gobowen after the camp was closed. If there is anyone who can help me find out any more about my mum and dad before this please can you contact me via the website.
Mon Dec 29 10:04:42 2008
Ian MacDougal from Scotland
Wales, Scotland, England, Ireland get off your phoney high heels of psuedo-historic pride! Our history is a shambles if you sober up after the Brave Heart delusion! The Scots and Welsh are junior partners of the British Empire: that's your glossy Celtic history down the toilet Jimmy! We helped dominate and manipulate and enslave a third of the world! So let's forget about keeping Britain exclusive to the Brits. Britain was built on foreign manipulation! By the way the world has gone global...and that's a fact! We are all Jock Tamsons Bairns! All made in the image and likeness of God!
Mon Dec 1 08:08:41 2008
Peter, Llangollen
Yes - and why not send people like myself from Birmingham back to England rather than taking jobs in Wales?
Thu Oct 30 08:13:15 2008
Piotr/Peter
Yeah Lisa. Provided they are more suited for the positions. Otherwise, a company isn't a nursery, especially during recession - if you know what I mean ...
Wed Oct 29 11:20:12 2008
Lisa, Exeter
As unemployment is rising in the UK, don't you think that UK citizens should get the best chance of getting back into work before the Polish and other migrant workers get vacancies?
Wed Oct 29 08:38:51 2008
A Pensioner, Cheshire
There have been Polish people living in Britain for donkeys years now. I had Polish friends in North Wales where I lived as a child and young woman. They are people like any other. As for illegal immigrants. Well, there must be some illegal immigration, but of all nationalities. Don't solely blame it on the Polish people. I am afraid it is all too easy to slip into our very tolerant country these days. There was a time when regular checks were made by the Police on 'Aliens'. This does not seem to happen nowadays. Much more should be done to seek out illegal immigrants, leaving the legal immigrants in peace.
Mon Oct 27 09:28:49 2008
A mother in law
My son in law was made redundant the other week. He finished on a Friday and started work in another factory in the Wrexham area on the following Monday. He is not Polish either so to all you lazy moaning people out there I do not think you are looking for work!
Fri Oct 24 08:21:45 2008
Piotr/Peter
Mel, hi. I'm not sure why you exactly were beaten to the job you were interested in taking up, but I've just done a quick on-line job search and there are a number of different positions (area of Devon) available right now (20 pages x 25 results per page) in many different sectors ranging from managerial positions to support & homecare workers. Apparently, it all boils down to the right skills.
Thu Oct 23 09:59:55 2008
Mel Ferris from Devon
It's not strictly true that the Poles will do the jobs the English won't. I'm prepared to do anything but the Poles have beaten me to it so I stay unemployed which I don't think is fair.
Wed Oct 22 10:21:01 2008
John from Welshpool
The bottom line is - we are all human beings, everything else is secondary and only clouds our minds.
Thu Oct 9 09:55:02 2008
Harriet
I think that Polish people can be hardworking but they are putting British men out of jobs so they are unemployed which is wrong. The Polish though are willing to do jobs that British aren't so in that respect it is a good thing that they are here.
Sun Sep 28 10:26:34 2008
N, Anglesey
Anyone complaining about Poles in Wales need to look around the some more. The English hve been coming to Wales taking our lovely property by the beaches and killing the Welsh language and taking jobs for decades and none of them have bothered to learn Welsh. Come on it's not that hard, but fair play the Polish have come here and had to learn two languages. I recently met a couple from Poland and they spoke to me in Welsh 1st, that's impressive! I went to my local shop and the Polish girl behind the counter spoke to me in welsh! No English person around here has ever done that.
Sat Sep 27 09:38:21 2008
Tony
Ask a young white male in Wales if he wants to work 12 hours shifts in a dirty factory and you'll see what they say - the answer is 'no'. If you don't like the migrants, move to Australia, leave the country. You think that you are better than anybody else. I am black and I was born in this country and I am so ashamed of it because of people like you guys. I'm not proud of being Welsh because of the way people are treated in my own country!
Fri Sep 12 15:28:41 2008
Mary-Ann Mcgowan
Let's please all just get on! We all are born in this world! Time is now!
Tue Jul 29 09:46:24 2008
Les, Devon
It is nonsense to say this country, because it is full of mixed races, makes it better. This has only happened since the 2nd world war as the white British have been brainwashed to accept this mass influx.
Thu Jul 24 10:55:08 2008
Bob, Wrexham
Piotr, surely you're digging yourself a hole here?! It's a bit naiive to suggest that there aren't, as you put it, similarly dilapidated and neglected towns in England? At the risk of generalising, many traditional towns and cities of Northern England have suffered from job losses in the industrial sectors. Also, note that much of this from mining and industrial manufacturing - common in (northern) England AND Wales. Fortunately, some of these places have adapted to wider global change better than others. Going back to North Wales, there has been a rich history of employment in various sectors. But it should never be said that because people didn't flock here for opportunities, the area didn't have an industry(ies) or culture(s). There were, without a doubt, many reasons why people moved to larger urban conurbations in England (whether it be access, greater job opportunities, or language issues). But I repeat again, it was never because Wales was underdeveloped. You may be cynical about the assembly Government, but it is easy to ignore their successes, including free prescriptions and reduced tuition fees for Welsh students studying in Wales. It is certainly not the last 20 years when Wales has 'dealt' with the issues you mention - I suggest you look up on Wales' long history of immigration. Culture is evolutionary, and Wales' culture is constantly changing, bringing new opportunities whilst retaining traditions (Eisteddfodau).
Thu Jul 24 08:44:12 2008
Piotrek
Bob, hi. If North Wales had been a robust centre for both the industry and the culture, all newcomers from the past would have rather settled down there as opposed to what actually happened - as you suggested they looked for better opportunities. Besides, look at the actual area of England - even small towns seem to be of mixed ethnicity. And lastly, compare industry in North Wales to this of England - I guess this will give you the gist of what I'm trying to say here. As far as I'm aware this is only recent 20 years when these all issues have started being dealt with (we all know the history of Wales), yet the Welsh Assembly is still more kind on subsidising veggie outlets rather than demanding cutting edge industry due to risks involved - that's not exactly the sign of affluence, is it? Now, the north-west coast is famous for possibly the most neglected and dilapidated towns in the whole UK. So, don't get me wrong, I do like rural beauty of this country, it hosts some spectacular events in classical music, etc. Though, anyone can see the difference amongst the North Wales and England even at the first glance.
Wed Jul 16 09:11:05 2008
Bob, Wrexham
Piotr, while I agree with some of your points, I disagree with your crude assessment of North Wales. How can you say that this wide area has 'resisted' any serious influx of newcomers in the past? People who have moved to (or within) the UK have largely gone to the cities where, in the past, there were greater work opportunities. I hardly think this beautiful area was 'underdeveloped' as you put it. On what basis do you claim it was underdeveloped? I can sort of see what you're saying, but the way you put it was very poor indeed.
Mon Jul 14 08:48:47 2008
Jenny, Inverness
I am not from Wales but from Scotland where I agree with Piotr that although there has been a huge surge in the influx of Poles migrating to the UK, we are a multicultural society and really should be treating these people the way we would want to be. After all how many amazing foreign football players are in each premier league team that we cheer for, how many of us enjoy an Indian or a Chinese takeaway or want to visit other countries on holiday and experinece new cultures? Yes, there have been cases in the news of foreigners disturbing the peace and more serious offences but you cannot take that to mean that their community are like that as a whole - in EVERY society there are some bad eggs. The only issue that I find myself having with foreigners in this country is the fact that I am currently a working girl expecting her first child and not living in my own home. I am having severe difficutly in obtaining a council home with only 2 months to go but am frustrated to find that foreigners migrating to the country seem to have absolutely no difficuly in obtaining a house within weeks. Please do not misunderstand me - I have no qualms with them getting a place to live in our county but am upset by the fact that I have lived here my whole life and have been pushed to the back of the queue while they seem sto have no trouble at all.
Fri Jul 4 08:04:47 2008
Piotr
Erm, I'm really stunned you folks keep going on and on about us Poles. The whole UK is made up of all possible colours of rainbow - if you know what I mean - and these are really bulk numbers, though you rather keep moaning about one particular nationality. Actually, I bet this is a bit due to the fact North Wales has resisted any serious influx of newcomers for long years and is chiefly "white" - yeah - I wonder why? Suddenly you're surprised the government welcomed the boost we gave these underdeveloped parts of the UK. Unluckily, you were neglected remaining in limbo. Now it all comes to you as a cultural surprise and a big strain (mentally-wise and in general) which you try to shift onto us. BTW, I've moved out from Wales already. Count one more less of these widely over estimated x-hundred thousands. More scientific positions [jobs] for you. Good luck with filling them in the current decade of persistent brain-draining!
Thu Jul 3 09:11:32 2008
Sue, Flint
How frustrated Morganna must have been in Barclays due to the fact that they could not conduct a conversation in Welsh but could accommodate the Polish language. A few years ago our politicians were debating the fact of what the Euro would do to our economy - what they omitted to address was the fact that all countries in the E.U. would have access to Britain, its housing, benefits, jobs and whatever. I am not political but it has not escaped me the fact that more and more political candidates are choosing to go independent. I am confused about the Polish issue - on the one hand you cannot blame them for coming to Britain - on the other they are obviously causing concern for a lot of people - all I know is there is nothing that can be done - it is too late! I would be interested to hear what other people think.
Tue Jun 24 08:29:06 2008
Morganna, Wrexham
I recently went into the Barclays branch in Wrexham. I was amazed that they were bending over backwards to ensure that the Polish speaking community in Wrexham had access to a Polish speaking counter service. To test them, I walked up to the counter and spoke in Welsh, my first language, and not one person in the bank could help me conduct my business in Welsh. Now I know the Poles reading this will say that there are more Polish speaking people in Wrexham than Welsh, and they may be right, but that does not excuse the fact that those of us born in Wales have a right to speak in our native language. It is about time the local council and businesses in Wrexham start to pander to the locals for a change and finally put a 'no vacancy' sign. The UK on a whole is full - it is about time our government says no more room at the inn.
Mon Jun 23 09:48:32 2008
Chris Madsen
I have a Polish national health dentist, my previous dentist(British) went private. I was without a dentist for over 12 months. My local chemist is Polish. How many of you are qualified for their jobs? How grateful am I? 100% Grow up all of you!
Mon Jun 23 09:16:57 2008
A. Williams
It isn't the Polish workers' fault that they're here - it is the government's, however, the government must look at the impact of this crazy immigration for the next generation and teenagers like myself like taking every job in sight, benefits and putting a strain on public services and taking away the characteristics of a town like Wrexham.
Wed Jun 18 08:40:21 2008
BAW from Ontario, Canada
Some of you people should come & experience life in a real multicultural society. Live in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area - Ontario, Canada) for a while & you will get to know people from all corners of the globe. Most are hard working people who are happy to be in a country that has so many benefits & I don't mean of the monetary kind. The kinds of things I have read on this blog are the same, tired statements made in the past to justify all kinds of nasty behaviour. Do we have problems here? Of course we do. They are the same problems found all over the world but I suppose our approach is to be more inclusive & not exclusive. Oh by the way, my mother was born & raised in Wrexham & I still have relatives living there. Some of them have never held down a real job in their lives, so it's not just an 'immigrant thing' to go on welfare right out of school & stay there until the pension kicks in. My advice is to do what we do. Get an education, compete in the job market like everyone else & stop looking for handouts just because you were born in a certain place. Canada & the United States are countries that were founded on immigration so we naturally are a little puzzled by some of the comments made regarding immigrants. After all, the United Kingdom has been settled by 'immigrants' from all over Europe for over 2,000 years - check the history books. One last comment - you try living in a country that has two official languages & dozens of unofficial ones, has a northern border that is close to Russia & a southern border that separates us from the most powerful country on the planet (USA). Confusing? Not really - just another day at the office for us.
Tue Jun 17 08:32:58 2008
Andy Wrexham
Get yourselves along to a local BNP meeting, you will see they are not a bunch of race hating people but ordinary people like you and me who want to put a stop to the mass immigration that is ruining our country.
Mon Jun 16 09:21:42 2008
Piotr
Andy, no one is entitled to any benefits unless they live here and work a substantial amount of time prior to such benefit claims. Wages are a way higher than benefits. Why would anyone give up their jobs to claim these alleged benefits? What benefits are you referring to exactly?
Mon Jun 16 09:15:19 2008
Andy Wrexham
To start with, where has this "Polish work hard" image come from? I live in a street which is now jam packed with Polish, most being good people, but, only a quarter of them work, fact, as I have spoke to them. Many have openly stated that they are here for the benefits that Britain just throw at them.
Wed Jun 11 12:57:53 2008
Sabrina
Why don't you people just stop complaining and learn to get on like human beings. Some of you just slag each other off. Britain became a wide multi-cultural society long ago, so what's the problem? Apparently, according to a Mr Makisig from Wrexham, British people moan too much. Well, he has a point, and that Linda lady who commented after him, "oh I feel like an outsider!" boo hoo. What rubbish. Outsider? Because the Polish are working hard? The lot of you should be ridiculed, because this is a pointless thing to be arguing about. Get on with life. Get on with each other. Simple as.
Mon May 12 07:50:57 2008
David Bagnall from Stamford
I was born and brought up in Wrexham, and visit regularly but left to join the forces and am currently living in Stamford in Lincolnshire. I have met a lot of Polish immigrants here and to be honest, they're good people and really friendly. I have no problem with other EU nationals coming here to live legally (lots of Brits go to live in Spain, it's no different except most don't learn Spanish). If Polish workers come here, work, and PAY TAXES, then I have no problem with it. In fact, they're contributing a lot more to the country than those British families who have never done a day's work in their lives, and are now into a 3rd generation of this cycle of benefit dependence. It's the taxes paid by all workers in the UK, including Poles, that pay for their lifestyles. Some ignorant and ill-informed people ought to ask themselves, who exactly is sponging from whom.
Tue May 6 08:22:01 2008
Max from Torrveija
As I understand it, the English pay through their taxes for the upkeep of Wales and Scotland eg free student places, medication and in Wales, free hospital parking. The English here in Spain along with other foreign nationals don't get a free ride but have to pay their way + we have our problem with ex Eastern block nationals. Maybe it's time for the Welsh and Scots to pay taxes back to the English
Mon Apr 28 09:57:32 2008
Piotr/Peter
Jim, hi. No, no, I hopefully got what you meant - just wanted to stress the difference once more. As to Mexicans, I've been to Mexico once and actually enjoyed it a lot. Majority of people were friendly and goodhearted, though I agree there is also a lot of crime there. As to Mexicans in LA, I have no clue, but I would guess the majority work hard and a minority involved in some murky activities bring bad reputation to the others. Anyway, Wales is cool! Visit us :)
Mon Apr 21 09:49:50 2008
Chris Madsen
I am still annoyed at Paul Jones' comments. Paul if you sent all the English and Polish etc back I expect you would be first to go dear because no one is pure blood as you imagine you are. My maiden name is Jones, I think of myself as Welsh but on doing my family tree I find the bulk of my family are from Devon. You see Paul, if we could go back to when God created the world you would see your common ancestor and say, we all come from a common ancestor. We are not a different species of human being from Polish people or anyone else, WE ARE JUST PEOPLE!
Mon Apr 21 08:29:24 2008
Jim Johnson
I think you have the wrong impression of what I commented about. I was talking about undocumented and illegal Aliens. If you will read my post again you will see that I said that I feel that individuals who have applied for citizenship and those in the country with a legal work card have the same rights as those born there. I do not want to use this forum as a place to air our dirty laundry. I have of course noticed that you seem to be the most frequent critic here. As to Mexicans being very friendly people, I wish you would visit the Los Angles, Ca. area and the rest of the southwestern border states before making any conclusions.
Fri Apr 18 10:26:34 2008
Piotr/Peter
Jim Johnson. Just to let you know - Poles are fully legal immigrants here (am one of them). Besides, they aren't an alleged drain to the economy, quite contrary.
Luckily, majority of indigenous people, especially older ones, are friendly and understanding indeed. They have usually some experience of life and work overseas themselves unlike the majority of gossip-mongers.
Aye, aye, you should definitely come along and visit us! BTW, whatever you would say about Mexico, hope you also would agree that majority of Mexicans are very friendly folks, wouldn't you?
Wed Apr 16 13:40:47 2008
Jim Johnson, USA
I have been reading these posts and I am very sympathetic to your woes. Each day as I open my email there are two or three letters that have been forwarded to me about illegal immigrants. To date there are about 12 million of them living in the USA. Their cultures and beliefs are a world apart from ours. As in your country, they do not speak our language and seemingly do not want to learn it. They are a great drain on our economy because of our lawmakers lack of enforcing the laws. I am not speaking of the legal visitors who have applied for citizenship or have work visas that are entitled to work here and pay their taxes. I believe they are just as much entitled to the same benefits as we who were born here. Our social services are being drained to a point that you cannot get the needed health care that is required for the poor. Yes, we have poor people in America. Our factories have closed and moved off to foriegn countries where the labor rate is $1 to $2 per hour. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is nothing but a super highway from South America to Canada. Dropping off more illegals and drugs from Mexico and Central America. We are in the middle of a very heated election year. I was stationed in Wales during the mid fifties at RAF station Sealand and visited Denbigh and the surrounding towns almost every weekend. I truly enjoyed my time there and was amazed at the hospitality that I was shown. I have always wanted to return there for a visit but your postings have somewhat discouraged me. In closing, I truly hope you can find a way way to live in harmony with your visitors from Poland and other countries and when and if you do, please send me your formula so we can apply it here.
Wed Apr 16 09:32:52 2008
Piotr/Peter
For Paul Jones. Yeah, don't forget to withdraw Wales from EU as well as to pay all penalties concerning such a procedure, also reimburse for all grants that paid off for a lot of business parks, etc., perhaps even some road infrastructure (?) Consecutively, feel free to seal your borders that actually do not exist...
Actually, even devolution from UK would hurt Wales badly, though give it a try! As Bill Bailey spotted during one of his comedy shows in Wales. What do local lot want: Wales for Welshmen? Go there. Devolution? Erm, don't go there!Quite hypocritical attitude. OK, sorry if this came across offensive, though this extreme example matches well extreme views of some locals.
Tue Apr 15 08:59:50 2008
James, Garden Village
Chris M. I agree. Some of the Polish food you get at Tesco's is nice. I recently tried Polish pate - very nice! I used to drink in the Polish Embassy on High Street before it closed and did get chance to meet some of the town's Poles. Got on fine with them. I haven't seen them since it closed and would like to think they're still about. If they're reading this site, it's the guy you called Janek (Polish for James) who would try to speak Polish (very badly) especially when I had a few too many bottls of Lech.
Mon Apr 14 08:43:14 2008
Paul Jones
Things are getting ridiculous what with all the traffic jams being caused by Wrexham being overpopulated. The Polish, English and other immigrants in Wrexham all need to go back to their own countries and leave Wales to the Welsh.
Mon Apr 14 08:30:44 2008
Sam, Wrex
Nick, Web Team - I have never thought about that before, but I can see it. This government needs shaking up, it's their fault we're all being taken for idiots!
Fri Apr 4 15:11:16 2008
Chris M
I too shop in Tesco and love to hear people speaking in different languages, what a boring world it would be if we all stayed in our own countries. I also try the Polish food on offer in Tesco, the pickles and the biscuits are lovely. Come on give these people a chance you may find you like them!
Fri Apr 4 09:16:21 2008
Julie, Wrexham
To Juan-Wrexham, sounds to me like you're moaning, if you don't like it go back home.
Tue Apr 1 09:35:27 2008
Juan Makisig, Wrexham
I hope brits realise now that Britain is being taken over by the migrant workers due to the fact that they are more hard working and don't moan. British people are the most unhappy people to work with, constantly moan about everything, and always talk behind your back.
Mon Mar 31 09:36:57 2008
Linda from Wrexham
I have lived in Wrexham all of my life and suddenly I am feeling that it is me who feels like an outsider. It is like when I go shopping in Tesco all I hear is different languages. I think that that there are too many people from all over the world congregating in a small place. But who is going to listen to us? Definitely not the government as they push everyone in a small place and think about the consequences later and then it is too late.
Mon Mar 17 09:39:23 2008
Mo from Cardiff
Such is the labour shortage in Poland that they are now employing construction workers from India.
Mon Mar 17 09:38:13 2008
Chris D from Wrexham
To D Pawley. Yes, I often feel like a foreigner in my home town. Although, I might add, not because of Poles or other immigrants. Being educated and middle class here I often feel like an outsider, despite living here most of my life. The class system is still a fact of life in this country today it seems.
Thu Mar 13 08:56:06 2008
D Pawley, Wrexham
The Polish are OK people but the only thing that I don't like is when I feel like a foreigner in my home town! Does anyone else feel like this?
Wed Mar 12 10:01:19 2008
B, Rhos
Aeddan, "If people don't get a job, then it is because there is someone better qualified for that post." How about not better qualified, but willing to work for less. I'm not blaming anyone for this, but it's a fact that if somebody is willing to work for less then people employ them. I agree with comments that SOME British people are lazy and won't find work but let's be serious, there's only so much drop in wages you can take! I got on a bus yesterday (never again) and the bus driver couldn't speak Welsh or English and had no idea where I wanted to be dropped off; I had to point at the right amount for him!?! Migrants need better education to learn the language before they even attempt to look for jobs over here.
Tue Mar 11 09:50:25 2008
Piotr/Peter
Aeddan, hi. I hope you enjoy your stay in Krakow and that all shapes up well over there for you. As to the housing market, I completely agree there is nothing worse than speculators. If it was down to me, I would split the housing market into possibly two: flats for first time buyers (separate stream market with a way cheaper pricing) and flats/properties for investors (accordingly higher prices). This would show how many of them have any better ideas than just pricey renting or selling for a 'doubled price'! Yeah, but I can dream on...
Wed Mar 5 09:28:02 2008
Jerry Lewis, Shropshire
You can blame everyone you like but the real culprits are the government and ourselves. We have got to the point where we want more money each week for as few hours as possible. Eastern Europeans will work for long hours usually in excess of 60 for the national minimum wage. They sleep in crowded houses because they want to or that's all they can afford, they spend their money in our shops, pubs and nightclubs, they do the jobs that no English/Welsh persons will do or even apply for. Yes houses and living was cheaper in Poland 2 years ago but now it's as expensive as here. So everyone shut up with all your moaning about Polish taking all our jobs and get out there and find a job. There's 1000s of jobs and the Polish take them 'cos no-one else wants them.
Wed Mar 5 09:27:09 2008
Aeddan, Krakow
As a Welshman living in Krakow, Poland (and incidentally possibly taking jobs from Poles...) I'd just like to add that Poles are actually playing a big part in revitalising the trade union movement in the UK (following the tradition of the Solidarity movement) and so actually, they are helping others in the UK to get better pay and conditions... I'm also a bit mystified by sentiments like 'Wrexham's people' and the bizarre idea that just because you are born in a place you 'deserve' employment. You don't. If people don't get a job, then it is because there is someone better qualified for that post. This is the truth, rather than pseudo-nationalistic paranoia. If you want to complain about someone in a nationalistic way, complain about the English who have distorted the labour and housing markets for years and are now doing the same in Poland - the 50,000 house is now a myth in places like Krakow - try 200,000 for a flat. Anyway, if there are employers who are exploiting workers, regardless of their nationality, then report them - they are the problem, not the Poles!
Tue Mar 4 11:21:16 2008
Chris D from Wxm
There is nothing in the Daily Post article which states that the translators were all Polish. The debate on here centres solely on Polish migration. How do we not know that the interpreters were not Chinese, Afghan, Russian, Indian, Slovakian, Czech, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Somali, Nigerian, Arab, Kurdish or Turkish? Or German even? And in any case, what is the big deal about this anyway? Millions more of public money is spent on dealing with British criminals, who nationwide are far more of a problem. But our xenophobic, right-wing press insist on concentrating on the tiny percentage of foreigners who commit crimes in order to pander to the collective whim of the emotional masses (who buy their papers). Plus a big thanks to the BBC for putting out real facts on these issues, rather than just one-sided opinion or gossip presented as fact.
Wed Feb 27 09:00:12 2008
Nick, Web Team
Hi. Sorry, I was simply trying to offer something substantive towards the debate rather than subjective views.
Wed Feb 27 08:59:24 2008
Piotr/Peter
Nick, give up mate, stop creating a stir.
Wed Feb 27 08:56:59 2008
Nick, Web Team
The cost [£145,000] of hiring translators to help suspected criminals after their arrest has rocketed by 241% in North Wales in just three years, says today's Daily Post newspaper.
Tue Feb 26 13:18:21 2008
Piotr/Peter
Dave, hi. Who's contradicting you? Would it bother being a tradesman with a degree? Do you think it's not needed at all? Erm, in such moments I start wondering what was the point in studying long years to gather all these degrees, if I could let's say have opened a barber shop and demand loads of money.
Tue Feb 12 08:27:05 2008
Dave, Wrexham
Piotr/Peter now who's living in the dark ages? If you bother to look around the country, in fact world wide there's a shortage of tradesmen and not graduates, yes I agree you need an educated work force in a modern economy to compete with the likes of China and India, but we cannot ignore people for whom university is maybe an educational step too far and provide them with alternative employment. The UK requires a balanced work force of educational levels. And it's about time the Welsh assembly remembered North Wales when spending tax payers' money ie instead of spending it on the South to bring in new employment parks let's ask for a new influx of employment to replace what it's lost over the last decade here in Wrexham. Let's build a park similiar to Chester's business park in Wrexham's borough so people don't have to drive 10 to 20 miles across the border but again in their local community and reduce congestion on the roads out of Wrexham, and secondly let the young Wrexham modern apprentices construct and service this park and then fill it with over educated telephone operators who can speak English.
Mon Feb 11 09:34:37 2008
Piotr/Peter
Dave, hi. What's wrong with enrolling your youngsters at university? Welsh Assembly and people should catch up on these new educational challenges instead of protecting people from the reality. Don't want to sound rude, though apprenticeship without a proper higher degree sounds to me like something you could have got at a blacksmith's in the medieval epoch.
Fri Feb 8 15:09:08 2008
Dave, Wrexham
Chris D, I'm am a tradesman. Served a recongnised apprenticeship. Firstly, the companies training people are not around any more. Secondly, the old Wrexham Tech is now Wrexham iniversity [NEWI]. What chance do the young have any more, no trades and no chance for our children unless they go onto university? I'm Welsh and pround to be patriotic about the next generation and I want a future for them. Chris, tell me what's Wrexham future now? Call centres in Chester or cheap shop jobs because the industrial base has gone. Wales for Welsh children first - let's not export any more chances for our young.
Fri Feb 8 13:35:41 2008
Chris D from Wrexham
To all the locals complaining about having their jobs taken from them by the Poles. You people are just making excuses. You have two choices. First, carry on making excuses, keep on blaming the Poles for your own shortcomings. Or secondly, raise your game. How about getting some skills or training? How about learning to drive, or maybe get a travelcard and cast your net a bit wider? The Poles moved to a different country in search of work, and yet Wrexham people have the cheek to moan that anywhere more than 5 miles down the road is too far or too expensive to travel to work?! Give me a break guys. How many employment agencies have you really registered with? One or two is not enough. Register with as many agencies as possible everywhere, Wrexham, Chester, Flint, wherever, and keep phoning them and badgering them every day until they find you some work. Buy the Evening leader. Apply for dozens of positions. Do whatever it takes and show some initiative. But stop making lame excuses and blaming immigrants for the fact that you are jobless and broke. Take some personal responsibility! It's no wonder if factories really do prefer to employ Poles; based on the responses from some people on here, one can get a clear idea about the general poor attitude to life and lack of energy or ambition of many locals. Sorry if my comments are controversial. I am not Polish by the way (as previously stated).
Fri Feb 8 08:14:55 2008
Lynsey, Bangor
Tara, you say work was available until 6 years ago - but the EU only expanded to include Poland in 2004. How could this change be related to Polish influx? Surely employers who are discriminating against locals or paying less than minimum wage are at fault. There are laws in place to prevent this - why are they not being enforced? And why are the Polish being blamed for these employer malpractices?
Thu Feb 7 08:38:42 2008
Tara, Rhostyllen
Well, I've read quite a lot about the work available and the Polish people being here and how they are affecting our jobs and I have to say that I agree they are taking our work from under us. Up until about 6 yrs ago I could find work anywhere in the food factories and there was always jobs advertised for work in them. Now my little girl is getting older I have been to look for work and there is nothing there for me. I know from people who work in the food industry that nearly all food factories won't take anyone on unless they are Polish and I seem to remember there is a law against discrimination. I also know someone who has not even had a pay rise in 3yrs and not on the national minumum wage which is also against the law but when the boss of the firm was challenged about it, the reply the worker had back was "Well, if you're not happy to work for that amount there are plenty of Polish people out there that will take your place". So he had to make the choice, carry on working and carry on struggling to pay the bills even though they are getting further into debt every week because the money they get is not enough to pay everything, or jack it in. Then they will be unable to get dole which they would probably be better off on but he wants to work and needs a decent wage to support the family and pay the bills and not have to struggle or stay put and work for a pittance. On the whole though it's not the Polish to blame, it's our government for allowing the doors to be opened for foreign people to swamp our country and they sit and watch our people get poorer by the minute. They should look after their own people of our country first. If the tables were reversed would another country do the same as us and keep their own people poor to look after foreigners swamping their country?
Wed Feb 6 08:46:35 2008
Nick, Web Team
There's a story about today saying migrant workers aren't taking the jobs of locals. Take a look. Do you agree?
Mon Feb 4 12:44:57 2008
Dave, Wrexham
Dennis Ruabon yet another local employer gone and yet the Eastern Europeon cheap labour force remain in Wrexham taking what jobs are left. Airbus is the last major employer. When 50% of the workforce are Polish will we then wait to start thinking about Welsh workers and their rights?
Mon Feb 4 12:44:17 2008
Colin, Wrexham
I've been out of work for nearly 6 months. I'm not lazy and am still looking for work. But everywhere I go or send CVs or applications off to I hear nothing back, why because there are so many Polish in Wrexham! Any brit looking for work can't get work because of them. The government needs to do something about this before it gets any worse!
Mon Feb 4 09:31:21 2008
Nick, Web Team
The debate takes a new twist today with news that nationally the NHS is spending £350m a year to provide maternity services for foreign-born mothers, £200m more than a decade ago, says BBC News home editor Mark Easton.
Wed Jan 30 11:37:36 2008
Jim, Wrexham
Let's face it, the Poles are just getting exploited. They get ripped off doing low paid work and they get ripped off for a place to live. What's new? Us Welsh are in exactly the same boat!
Mon Jan 28 09:06:04 2008
Piotr/Peter
Mez, one more issue. Every legal worker in UK pays NI contributions and is given either temporary NI number or a permanent one. Cheers.
Fri Jan 25 13:30:59 2008
Piotr/Peter
Immigrants form EU are entitled to benefits only once having worked out at least one year here in full-time position. And as to money taken out from UK, I spend such amount paying rents an other daily expenditures that I would probably save the same amount of money on the monthly basis working back in Poland and living with people who doesn't avoid me just owing to my nationality (!!!) These ! who stay for a couple months live perhaps like 6 in house, but there is a number of people who do not fancy this like me - prefer living alone. So don't be patronizing when referring to Poles, ok? As to purchasing flats in Poland, yes you did buy them, and therefore prices for a square meter reach easily 2000 pounds in some places what means I'll save money for a flat in Liverpool a way quicker than back in Poland.
Fri Jan 25 12:07:07 2008
Mez, Cornwall
I don't mind the Polish (being part myself) but I don't think they have a right to our benefits - and they should pay for healthcare. They are good workers and do the unskilled jobs British people don't want to do, but the money they earn gets mostly taken out of the UK. They are happy to live 6 in a house and share the rent to make the most of their money, because they don't stay forever (well not all of them) - and yes, I worked in an estate agents renting the properties to them. They were good tenants! With house prices in Poland being under £50,000 they don't have to be here forever before they can afford to buy a place with no or little mortgage. Hey, why don't we buy homes in Poland?
Fri Jan 25 08:29:15 2008
A M R
Yes, and we all know what kind of place America is like to live in!
Mon Jan 21 09:26:29 2008
Phill, Connahs Quay
Hi all, having spent some time reading the to-and-fro of bickering like a tennis match I feel I have to contribute. I can speak from experience at having hired both British and European temporary workers locally, and turning many of these temporary assignments into full-time positions. It's easy to blame an influx of labour from overseas to the reason why you are out of work. The real reasons for this are easy to outline, you are just too lazy and have it too good. The Eastern European workers are starting to be preferred for these positions due to their fantastic work ethic, their time-keeping, their ability and dedication. It's so typical of our society to sit back and complain and not do anything about it. The opportunities have not changed. In fact, these days due to variations in demand and lower margins there is more flexible work than ever before, our Eastern European friends are making the most of the opportunity, as locals we are not! It's easy for British unemployed to sit there with their benefits and talk about how people have taken their jobs, we all know this to be rubbish, but they are an easy target. If it weren't for them you would have to find another area to blame for your lack of ambition and desire to make something of yourself. The Eastern European workers I have had the pleasure to work alongside have been polite, fast learning and have integrated well with other staff. They have often had to leave behind family members to travel to the UK with no idea where and when they will work and live, and yet they do it. Usually within 24 hours they are seeking work and willing to make a positive influence on the workplace. So before the bigots start on the onslaught, you have to ask yourself, would you be prepared to do the same for a better way of life for your family? Probably not, and if so, then do it and stop complaining!
Mon Jan 21 09:03:01 2008
John Gammond
Congratulations to Pyotr/Peter - you are keeping up the Polish tradition of 1863, 1939, 1944 and 1956 and battling on against the odds, taking on all comers and giving as good as you receive. Sticking to the only area I know, history and heritage. As for Wrexham people worrying about Wrexham losing its culture and heritage - Wrexham will only lose these things, if Wrexham people choose not to learn them, celebrate them, add to them and pass them onto the next generation. Just cos your new neighbours are called Janusz and Magdalena, does not mean you have to give up your culture or allow politicians to bully you into doing so. It's your choice and I look forward to seeing you visit and get involved in your local museums and cultural establishments, learning the language, Welsh literature and Welsh/border history, exploring the area and supporting local industries and businesses. Nationalism without a real knowledge of your nation's culture and heritage is little more than bigotry.
Mon Jan 21 08:45:02 2008
Ballyway
Dear God will the last American please take the flag. Stop complaining, you are now a mixing pot just like USA. Get used to it.
Thu Jan 17 08:27:47 2008
Pete, Wrexham
Good on you Dave, someone not scared to tell the truth for once.
Thu Jan 10 08:43:49 2008
Dave, Wrexham
The UK is about to experience a down turn in its economy with the usual results - increased unemployment and lower tax revenue - which will place a strain on public services and to cap it all off the housing market is on the verge of collaspe. Let's see if the Polish people are so welcome once Wrexham's people are thrown out of their jobs and homes while they remain untouched and protected.
Mon Jan 7 11:38:22 2008
