Builders, grocers, teachers and lawyers – Polish people who come to Britain today are diverse. Unlike previous waves they do not flee war or persecution, yet many have experienced inequality, economic disadvantage and personal difficulties.
Many fourth wave Polish migrants grew up under communism, and saw its fall as an opportunity to seek a better life. Others seized the employment opportunities, which started when Poland joined the EU in 2004 and British companies began recruiting in Polish cities.
Today in Waltham Forest, Polish is the second largest migrant group and the third most common language after Urdu and English.
