Like migrating birds, modern-day European workers are in search of yield. Their travels are dictated not by annual climate patterns, but by cyclical economic activity. Since the EU opened its doors to central and eastern Europe in 2004, the UK has benefited from an influx of migrants. This has slowed abruptly, possibly for some time to come.

With the UK economy now officially stagnating and unemployment rising, migrant workers will find it harder to get jobs, particularly in construction and services. High inflation - most notably in necessities such as food and energy - and a weak pound erode earnings and make a stay less worthwhile. Hence, many migrants are likely to turn their back on the UK.