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The growing interest in the phenomenon of large scale flows of  'accession eight' A8 migrants working and living in rural areas led us to investigate the topic.

This report examines migration of workers from the A8 countries into rural areas of England since May 2004.  It provides an evidence base on the current numbers of the A8 migrant workers in rural areas and the impact this is having on rural economies and societies.

Understanding these rural issues and trends should help the development of central, regional and local government policies, including integration and cohesion agendas and allocations of funding for services.  It should also help businesses and communities adapt to and address the challenges presented.

A8 refers to eight countries that joined the European Union in 2004:

• Poland
• Lithuania
• Latvia
• Estonia
• Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Slovenia
• Slovakia