9. Why do highly educated migrants go for low-skilled jobs? A case study of Polish graduates working in London (original) (raw)
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This chapter aims to elucidate the phenomenon of educated migrants from Poland working in low-skilled jobs in the United Kingdom. Based on research carried out on Polish graduates working in elementary occupations in London, it argues that, despite the micro-level focus of the study (individuals), the graduates’ particular labour market positioning can be explained only through a comprehensive analysis of factors surfacing at three different levels: macro, meso and micro. This is reflected in the structure of the chapter. Firstly, factors at the macro level are discussed: the transformation of Poland and its impact on the increased out-migration of graduates, the supply–demand nexus between the sending and receiving country, facilitating migration to the United Kingdom and the institutional and economic conditions influencing the positioning of Polish graduates in the British labour market. Analysed next are the meso-level factors promoting work below qualifications: the role of networks, ‘national traits’ and British employment agencies. Finally, the micro-level factors are examined that determine gravitation towards low-skilled jobs: the issue of individual capital and the impact of perceived aims of migration on labour market behaviour.
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