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MORE than 19,000 migrants from eastern Europe have come to Kent since eight new countries joined the European Union in 2004. A report examining the impact of migrants into the country reveals that 19,530 registered for work across all parts of the county, but also estimated that as many as 50 per cent had already left.
Polish nationals account for the highest number.
The report also found that at 84 per cent, employment rates among migrants from the new EU countries were among the highest of all immigrant groups. Very few claim state benefits, and on average work about 46 hours a week.
Across Kent, on average, there are about nine migrants from the new countries like Poland, Estonia and Slovakia per 1,000 residents, a figure which is far lower than many other parts of Britain.
The highest ratio was in Gravesham, with 15 migrant workers per 1,000 residents, followed by Swale, with 14. Swale saw the largest number of worker registrations, with 2,700 applications recorded.
Maidstone came fourth with nine migrant workers per 1,000 residents and Tunbridge Wells third with 11.
The report says that the number of people arriving is falling and the number leaving rising, as the economic fortunes of their home countries improve. It says in time that could leave some UK businesses facing recruitment difficulties.
Dr Danny Sriskandarajah, one of the report's authors, said: "Migration from the new EU countries has happened on a staggering scale, but seems to have been largely positive."
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