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A8 nationals
The A8 Project | Further Developments | Contact |
This project was conducted in 2006. To see our recent resources and research, please Access our main Central and Eastern Europeans page
Recent expansion of the European Union (EU) has led to an increase in migration from the new Eastern European EU states to Britain. The entitlements of citizens from the accession eight states (A8 nationals) that joined the EU in 2004 are restricted and citizens of the two nations that acceeded in 2007 (A2 nationals) have limited working rights. Whilst the majority of Eastern European migrants sucessfully obtain employment and accommodation in the UK, these restrictions have meant that options are very limited for the significant minority who find themselves homeless in Britain.
The A8 Project
Background
When the European Union expanded in May 2004, certain limitations were placed on the entitlements of citizens from 8 out of 10 of the accession countries: Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Nationals from these so-called Accession 8 (A8) countries can come to the UK to work but have limited access to social provisions and benefits. In the last 2 years the number of people from these countries entering the UK has increased. Many Homeless Link members, especially in London, have reported an increase in the number of homeless clients from A8 countries which has placed an additional strain on resources for many agencies. Homelessness organisations also find it difficult to support clients because of language barriers or because they are often not entitled to housing benefit.
Homeless Link research
Homeless Link undertook a project to understand better the issues faced by homeless A8 nationals and the agencies responding to their needs. This included a snapshot survey of London day centres, outreach teams and night shelters and follow-on interviews with providers who have developed specialised services.
- We have now published an executive summary , and full report which reveals that a significant number of Eastern Europeans are turning to London’s homelessness services for help.
- We have also produced a good practice guide, 'Sharing Solutions', on working with A8 nationals in homelessness services. You can download a free pdf version or a hard copy is available to buy.
Further developments
- Homeless Link issued a press release to call for co-ordinated action to address this issue.
- Our findings have featured in several media reports on migration from the acession 8 countries.
Contact
For further information about this work contact helen.mathie@homelesslink.org.uk