The accession of Poland and seven other countries into Europe has given fresh opportunities for local employers to satisfy labour shortages. At the same time migrant workers can earn more than three times as much money than they did at home.

DAVID ELKS spoke to one worker who is adjusting to life living in Burslem, the mother town of The Potteries...

FOR Igor Qast, the chance to come to Stoke-on-Trent was as much about honing his English skills as earning three times more than he could in his home country.

He had worked at fast food chain McDonalds before deciding to spend time travelling and working in Europe. The 24-year-old is now one of 20 men and women working at Wade Ceramics in Burslem and involved in kiln work, casting and training in fettling - the art of shaving and smoothing undried clay wares. Mr Qast, who has come 860 miles from Gdansk in the north of the former Eastern Bloc country, said his key reason for living in Stoke was to learn English. "Although you can learn through books, the best way is to live somewhere to get experience of what life is like. I have been in London before here. It is a big city, but it was too much of rush. Busy, busy. I like it more here because it is much more quiet."

Since arriving in May he has worked at Wade Ceramics while living in an hotel in the city. Wade, whose ware includes spirit decanters, has been one of a number of companies now turning to foreign labour to fulfil demand for workers.

Igor described the work:

"Some of us are involved in drilling, swirling and selecting as well as casting, pressure testing, grinding and respraying.

"It is not particularly complicated but it is good work."

While his English skills have not hampered his time in the Potteries, others, particularly first-time-travellers, have struggled. Igor, who has extensively travelled throughout Europe, said: "For some it can be quite difficult, although the majority have already learned some English, this provides an opportunity to try some real English." He said there was not the degree of industrialisation in his home-town as in the city, with its economy led by fishing and tourism in view of its coastal location. However, other areas are undergoing rapid industrial growth in Poland with Western companies keen to invest in the country.

Indeed, Poland has its own ceramic industry based in Walbrzych in the south of the country although some are tempted to find new work in Stoke because they can earn three times more.

He said: "I think people do leave home with a view to making a lot of money and then returning."

He currently plans to stay in the city until Christmas.

"I've found the people in Stoke-on-Trent to be very friendly and helpful and the whole experience has been very good so far."