'Honeypot Britain': The Lived Experience of Working as an EU Migrant in the UK

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There is a perception among parts of the public that migrant workers come to the UK in order to claim benefits and, if they do work, that work is low paid meaning that they are entitled to tax credits and child benefits which they then send back to thier families elsewhere in Europe. The tabloid press has described this phenomenon as 'honeypot Britain'. David Cameron, the Prime Minister, has highlighted this as a particular problem with the operation of the EU Treaty rules on free movement which he would like to see changed as part of his negotations with the EU prior to the UK's in/out referendum in 2016/7. The aim of this research is to look at:- the law (what are migrants entitled to under EU and UK law);- the practice (how many migrants claim benefits, what benefits do they get, and what happens if they are turned down for benefits)- the experience (what is it like being an EU migrant coming to the UK, what are the obstacles they face, what do they do to look for work, do they try to claim benefits straightaway, what help and support do they receive?)