The jobseeker talent pool is set to alter dramatically next year when eight Eastern European countries join the European Union (EU) in May 2004.

Up to 69% of jobseekers from countries including Poland, Latvia, Estonia and the Czech Republic are planning to head west to find work, claims Keith Robinson, website director for job board totaljobs.com.

Jobseekers from Latvia are the most eager to leave their country, followed by 57% of people from the Czech Republic. In Estonia, 58% of jobseekers would want to work in Western Europe if they were offered an equal position to their current job, the research suggests.

“Globalisation is a fact of life, and workforces are becoming increasingly multi-cultural,” Robinson said.

“Employers need to realise that diversity is becoming of utmost importance and will help drive businesses forward.”

However, John Philpott, chief economist at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), warned that while Eastern Europeans could fill skills gaps for now, it was not a long term option for companies.

Not everyone was so optimistic about the widening talent pool to include Eastern Europeans.

Mike Kaye, managing director of 1st Contact Recruitment, warned that it could place added pressure on an already tight market.

“As more countries enter the EU, it means there will be lots more candidates competing for fewer jobs for less money,” he said.