Chances on the British Job Market After Brexit: Insights for Polish Graduates

After the Brexit referendum, navigating the British job market presents a myriad of challenges, particularly for Polish graduates like yourself, who speak English, Polish, and German fluently and are interested in fields such as marketing and graphic/video editing. Here’s a detailed analysis of the current situation.

Understanding the Realities of the Post-Brexit Job Market

The Cameron years saw the implementation of various policies aimed at creating a “hostile environment” for immigrants. These measures make it difficult for even those legally residing in the UK to prove their status, with banks, landlords, and healthcare institutions required to check the status of individuals. These stringent checks often create a challenging atmosphere for immigrants.

With the implementation of hard barriers set to begin on January 1st, 2021, the situation becomes even more complex. As the current Home Secretary, Pritti, oversees immigration rules, ensuring that you meet these requirements is essential. This includes finding someone to “sponsor” you, as well as meeting the minimum salary requirements, which might be difficult for young graduates just starting out. The minimum salary threshold of ￡25,600 might be challenging to meet, and the additional ￡600 can make it even harder.

Immigration and Visa Challenges

The immigration and visa application process is time-consuming and costly. On average, the application fees are around ￡3,000, and the bureaucratic hurdles add a significant layer of complexity. The official UK government sites provide clear details, but the actual process can still be daunting.

Moreover, from October 2020, foreign hires, including EU expats, will have to contribute a minimum of five years to the NHS, unless they work in the NHS, in which case they must pay ￡624 per family member upfront. This requirement adds another layer of financial burden, making the process even more challenging.

Fit for the London Job Market

From your brief description, you would be a perfect fit for many London job profiles. Your education, ambition to study further, and fluency in English, Polish, and German make you a valuable asset. Marketing, with its emphasis on communication and language skills, can leverage your multilingual abilities. Similarly, graphic/video editing requires excellent communication and creative skills, which you possess.

However, the hurdles are now much higher. The hostile environment policy means that Eastern Europeans, including Polish nationals, are often seen as unwelcome. This can make the job market even more competitive and challenging. You might encounter a variety of discriminatory practices or simply a less welcoming workplace environment.

Risk and Uncertainty: Boris Johnson's Decisions

In recent days, Boris Johnson's announcement to break an international treaty unilaterally has added to the uncertainty. His behavior underscores the risk involved in relying on the UK job market. It is uncertain whether future changes in visa rules will be made purely to maintain support from his politically loyal base in the north. This adds another layer of unpredictability to your job search.

Alternative Options: German Job Market

Given the current uncertainty, it might be advantageous to consider the German job market. Germany offers a more stable and welcoming environment for international graduates, particularly those with skills in marketing and graphic/video editing. The German economy is robust, and companies often value multilingual candidates.

Additionally, Germany's immigration policies, while strict, are still more favorable compared to the UK in terms of opportunities and support for international students. The German government offers various programs and resources to help international graduates integrate and find employment.

In conclusion, while the UK job market presents significant challenges post-Brexit, the German market offers a more stable and welcoming environment. Considering both options can provide security and a better chance of success in your career aspirations.