Migrant Workers

Who are Migrant Workers?

Migrant workers include international migrants who come to the UK, on work based immigration routes, whether they come from countries in the European Union or not.

Migrant workers bring major benefits, not only to the economy but also to the cultural and social fabric of the South West. However many migrant workers face unequal treatment such as discrimination and hostility from the wider community exploitation in the workplace. Equality South West have been working with partners to develop a Regional Action Plan on migrant workers. For more information see: [link to Regional Action Plan page]

What countries are they coming from?

The south west of England with its diverse economy and seasonal work has always attracted migrant workers. Tourism and agriculture in particular have always drawn in those who work part time or for part of the year only

Since the enlargement of the European Union in 2004 large numbers of migrant workers have arrived in the UK from Eastern Europe. According to DWP figures the number of migrant workers entering the region peaked in 2006/07 at just over 41,000, but since then it has declined to under 24,000 in 2009/10. Many have returned home, but others have chosen to settle in the region. Entrants in 2009/10 came from Poland (a4,200); Latvia (a1000) and Lithuania (a900).

Significant numbers of migrants also come from non-European Union countries, particularly China, India and the Philippines. Due to the growth of immigration restrictions most of these migrants work in more highly skilled areas of the economy.

Why do we need them?

According to the government's own figures migrants contributed 8.1% to 10% of Gross Value Added in the South West in 2008, of which 2.0% to 2.4% was from migrants who arrived in the area after 2004.

Research carried out by Equality South West confirmed anecdotal evidence that migrants are playing a major role filling jobs in areas with labour shortages, in sectors such as agriculture, food processing and health and social care in the South West. For more information see: Migration Trends in SW

Non-European workers also play a major role in specific skills shortage gaps, in health, education and information technology. The South West's care homes are particularly reliant on migrant workers, as are many of the area's restaurants. For more information see:  Non EU Migration in SW

Information is also available in a migrant workers "myth-buster", produced by the South West TUC. "Who Makes Up the South West", is available at:  TUC Mythbuster

What issues do they face?

Poor language skills, insecurity and lack of knowledge of employment rights have prevented many migrant workers from challenging exploitation by unscrupulous employers or gangmasters. Considerable work has been undertaken by trade unions (such as the GMB); voluntary organisations like Citizens Advice; and migrant workers themselves through community groups , to develop awareness and empower migrants, while statutory organisations like the Gangmasters Licensing Authority and the Health and Safety Executive have done much to enforce employment rights. Nevertheless, the issue of exploitation still remains.

Many migrant workers also face issues around accessing public services, although a considerable amount has been done to develop welcome packs and other guidance to help address this issue. Developing links of trust with migrant communities and overcoming cultural barriers is a key issue for the region's emergency services, in particular. In the area of housing, limited access to deposits and unscrupulous practices by some employers can lead to many migrants being housed in over-crowded accommodation.

Since EU enlargement in 2004 some migrant workers have started to settle in the region and form families. Ensuring that the children of migrant workers receive support with language and integration is therefore a growing priority. Similarly while many migrants originally came to work in low-skilled occupations, they are often highly qualified and/or have experience in more highly skilled work. Ensuring their potential is not lost is therefore of critical importance. For more information see:Migrant Employment Outcomes Research (Key Findings) or Migrant Employment Outcomes Research (Word)

For further information on migrant worker issues visit our Useful Research Page: