Despite reports of Polish workers returning home, Polish nurses are still keen to work in the UK, according to Barry Pactor, managing director of Just Specialist Recruitment.

Pactor has just returned from a trip to Poland, where he was recruiting nurses for permanent roles in the UK on behalf of clients.

Pactor told Recruiter that Polish nurses were still attracted to work in the UK. “From our experience over the last couple of months [what attracts them] to the UK is the opportunity to further their career development, which is better over here than over there.

“They also see the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques, as well as experience a new culture, and it’s only a couple of hours away from home by plane.”

He adds: “It was great to see the quality of the nursing staff in Poland, and how keen they are to work in the UK.”

Pactor says that despite changes in the UK market in the past 12-18 months, there is still a shortage of nurses in particular areas, specifically: midwifery, paediatrics, ITU and theatre.

Just Specialist Recruitment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Irish Recruiter TTM Healthcare, recently opened an office in central London as part of the parent company’s expansion plans for the UK.

Just Specialist Recruitment is comprised of TTM’s existing UK operations, as well as two acquisitions: Just Social Care and Teaching Appointments, and a new locum nursing division under the Just Nursing brand.