researching a8 migrant labour in lanarkshire edinburgh, 19 february 2009 duncan sim (uws) research...
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![Page 1: Researching A8 Migrant Labour in Lanarkshire Edinburgh, 19 February 2009 Duncan Sim (UWS) Research conducted with Aileen Barclay and Isobel Anderson (Stirling)](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022072011/56649e105503460f94afb78c/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Researching A8 Migrant Labour in Lanarkshire
Edinburgh, 19 February 2009
Duncan Sim (UWS)Research conducted with Aileen Barclay and
Isobel Anderson (Stirling)
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Background
• Movement of East European migrant workers into UK since 2004
• Numbers significantly greater than expected, although many now returning
• Impact on local labour market
• Implications for public service delivery
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Methods
• Questionnaire survey of migrant workers
• Questionnaire survey of employers
• Focus groups with migrant workers
• Consultation with local authorities, local organisations and employers
• Examination of reports on migrant worker experiences elsewhere
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Characteristics of migrant workers
• Mostly young. Almost half single
• Most from Poland
• Range of skills but often in low paid jobs
• Sending money home to family
• Keen to learn English
• Valued Scottish quality of life and employment opportunities
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Employment
• Migrant workers not always using their skills to the full
• Existing skills and qualifications not always recognised
• Often filling jobs which are unattractive to local people (production line jobs etc)
• Strong work ethic
• No evidence of exploitation / underpayment
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Comments by employers
• At the interview stage, local people don’t shine when in competition with migrant workers. Their applications are poorly prepared and more often than not, they fail to provide references. Migrant workers – although English is not their first language – make more of an effort, their CVs are better prepared and they know how to use a dictionary.
• We do not specifically recruit for migrant workers. However, more of those attend interview and subsequently are successful through our recruitment process.
• Fantastic work ethic. Good attendance record.
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Comments by workers
• We live and work within the local community. We have respect from our employers because we work hard, are not lazy and turn up on time.
• It is easier and better to work in the factories as Scottish people don’t want these jobs and so there is no competition.
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Pay
• At the time of research, National Minimum Wage was £5.05 per hour (Summer 2006)
• Average pay of interviewees was £5.77 per hour.
• 18 people (37.5%) earned £6 or more per hour
• Only two people at Minimum Wage level.
• No evidence of exploitation
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Housing
• Most living in the private rented sector
• Increasingly looking to social renting
• Mostly living in low demand areas
• No evidence of overcrowding at present
• Long term settlement may lead to home ownership
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Other services
• Many workers don’t register with GP until they become ill.
• Lack of clarity about service delivery – going to A and E first.
• Difficulties in setting up bank accounts – employers often helped.
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Social Connections
• Community regeneration projects engaging with migrant workers
• Liked living in Lanarkshire: less ‘overwhelming’ than Glasgow
• Families mixing with local people – especially at schools
• No experience of racism or hostility – although aware of accusations of ‘taking local people’s jobs’
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Language skills
• English the language of business
• Over half had good competence in spoken English
• Demand for English classes – sympathetic response by some employers
• Less keen on having material translated
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Comments re translation
• Language communication is the biggest problem. Bilingual forms and documents are required.
• Learning English is important and we don’t want to create a little Poland in Scotland. If we have everything in Polish, then we become lazy.
• We do need help but not everything done for us.
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Emerging issues across Scotland
• Significance of economic contribution
• Lack of appropriate services
• Lack of information on housing options
• High demand for English language courses
• Vulnerability to exclusion: the language of migration
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Some discussion and conclusions
• Parekh’s ‘community of communities’ – can we apply this to migrant workers in Scotland?
• Working long hours prevents social interaction – especially for single people
• Language not necessarily exclusionary – growing competence
• Scotland more positive? (IPPR report)
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Some Recommendations
• Positive economic impact of migrant workers should be publicised
• Implications of migrant workers moving on in the employment market
• East European qualifications need to be recognised
• Migrants need more information on housing, health and other services.
• Migrants need information on voluntary groups and activities – will aid integration
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Some Recommendations: 2
• Better monitoring systems are needed re the use of services, housing applications, health, homelessness and anti-social behaviour
• Those working with migrants need better information on rights and entitlements
• Better data needed!