Migrant Workers

Migrant workers have come into the spotlight recently with the series of wild cat strikes originating at a refinery in Lincolnshire.  Many people have questioned their presence in the UK, wondering if they have contributed to the economy and worrying that they are taking jobs from British workers.

Boost to the Economy

Government estimates of the impact of migrant workers to the UK show that they have boosted the size of the UK economy by some £6 billion in recent years.  They have contributed to filling labour shortages across the UK, both in skilled and unskilled jobs.  This is particularly important as our labour force ages and we face a demographic problem in replacing older workers who are retiring leaving a labour gap that our younger workers will increasingly be less able to fill.

Equal Rights

Migrant workers from the European Union have full right of access to the UK labour market, and businesses from the same countries can bid for UK contracts on an equal basis with UK companies.  However these rights extend both ways  and many Brits have found permanent and temporary employment in Europe.  British companies have also won orders and contracts in Europe and many now operate on a permanent basis in other EU member states.  A walk through any major European city will reveal many names familiar in the UK.

Mick Carey, the manager of Careers Europe, was recently on BBC Radio commenting on these issues.  Click here to listen the broadcast.

9/2/2009

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