It’s a Polish invasion (From York Press)

It’s a Polish invasion

10:00am Friday 16th June 2006 in

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IF anyone has been ignored by new arrivals on their street recently, they shouldn't necessarily put it down to rudeness.

I could have an explanation for your new neighbour's blank looks and puzzled expressions every time you introduce yourself.

Try saying, "czesc!" (meaning "hi!"), or "dzien dobry" ("good afternoon") and you may get more response.

In light of Poland's defeat against Germany in the World Cup this week, best avoid saying, "czy widziales mecz?" ("did you see the football?").

Hundreds of Poles have moved to our region since their country joined the European Union in 2004.

Their arrival in Britain as a whole constitutes the largest wave of immigration for at least 300 years. The influx is estimated at more than 350,000 in the past two years.

Many come seeking better opportunities, new challenges and, above all, more money.

Business leaders argue they are good for the economy by filling jobs Brits will not do because they are too demanding, too menial or too badly paid.

Dine out in York tonight and there is a fair chance your dishes will be washed by someone from Warsaw rather than Dringhouses.

Stay in a hotel and your bed could well be made by women who grew up in Krakow or Gdansk rather than Fulford or The Groves.

My friends are among those reaping the benefit of the influx their spare bedrooms are filled with Poles.

Chatting to some over coffee this week (the ones who could speak English), I was given an insight into why they feel so compelled to leave their homes and families.

Arek Zakrzewski, 32, came to York about 12 months ago from the picturesque town of Olsztyn in north Poland.

He previously studied at university, attaining a degree in economics before starting a clothing business with his brother.

Life could have been worse so why is he now renting a room at my pal's house in Acomb and working at a supermarket warehouse?

"Here in York there are such incredible opportunities for people like me," Arek said (in flawless English).

"There is such a massive difference in salary. Working here is my only chance to buy a house back in Poland."

Arek earned £150 a month in Olsztyn, compared with the £800 he takes home now as a quality controller.

"I think it's really sad because we don't have the same opportunities in our own country.

"We find it very strange that many English people don't want to work."

Arek came to York with his girlfriend, Ewelina, 29, who could not find employment in Poland despite having a law degree.

She now grafts 13 hours a day, seven days a week as a chambermaid, and, during the evenings, at a restaurant as a kitchen porter.

At least the couple are among friends.

"Everybody I know is coming to England," Arek told me.

"In York I hear our language on the streets and in the pubs we are everywhere."

Arek and Ewelina, who send money back to hard-up loved ones, eventually plan to save enough to buy a house in their homeland.

Their housemate Gabi Jabkiewicz, who lived near Warsaw, is, however, adamant that she has left for good.

Not long ago the 21-year-old was half way through a sociology degree at a Polish university when she was forced to quit due to lack of funds.

She worked four 12-hour night shifts per week as a hotel receptionist to try to make ends meet. Earning only £50 a month, it proved impossible.

Gabi says her life is now back on track since she moved to York and secured work at a Harrogate air-conditioning manufacturer.

"I want to stay in England and train to be a police officer eventually," she said.

"I have a dream and I'm determined to make it a reality.

"It's too dangerous and corrupt in Poland.

"When I go to a shop in York I'm not afraid that someone will attack me."

Arek and Gabi said the high unemployment and low wages back home had led to a breakdown in law and order.

They claim huge numbers have also turned to corruption to pay the bills.

For the right price, Gabi claims you can pretty much secure anything in Poland higher grades at college, a driving licence and even a blind eye from police officers to serious criminality.

"People in England don't know how lucky they are," she added.

"We've got a chance coming here."