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With globalization, the dramatic expansion of cross-border trade, investment and policy (as in the EU), there has been an increased mobility of international labour. Falling costs of transportation and communication have reduced the distances between people, and the drive for a better standard of living has motivated workers to move to areas where jobs and higher pay are available. All through history migration has been closely related to poverty. It could be said that in many cases migration is not a “voluntary” process, but is motivated by a natural need of people to secure their livelihood. A popular theory of migration is seen as a response to negative conditions in the country of origin, i.e. political, economical or professional development.
Today, almost 175 million people world-wide are thought to be living outside their countries of origin. For many of them, migration is a real lifeline, but all too often they face exploitation and abuse.
Migrant workers make up 7% of the total UK population, or almost 10 % of the working population. Migrant workers raise national economic output by expanding the supply of labour and by filling gaps in the job market.
Of that total 427,095 were people registering to work from the eight former Easter Block countries which joined the EU in 2004, with majority coming from Poland.
Peak demand for casual and temporary labour in South Lincolnshire and Boston might reach up to 15,000 migrant workers per day. For many producers the peak seasons are the time when the best prices and the biggest profits can be achieved. The need for migrant workers in many different sectors of the economy is obvious.
These workers do not have any claim on the support system that operates in the UK. It is clear that the increasing dependence on migrant casual labour will have to be accommodated by local service providers. At present the worker population is drawn from as many as 26 countries. Service providers are struggling to understand workers’ requirements and to make services accessible.
The project, which initiated this website, is led by the Executive Forum, which addresses issues and commissions actions through a steering group, considering the best ways to take forward actions and also deal with any funding needs. The Steering group will put ideas into action, coordinate activities, and set performance objectives for the Migrant Worker Team. The Migrant Worker Team undertook a gap analysis, identify and monitor projects, disseminate learning, and build partnerships.
The Gap Analysis contains information about the conditions and needs of migrant workers, needs analysis of businesses and data about local public services.Please read full report on the left side menu (at the "Related Documents" section)
This project seeks to provide information about, and to develop innovative ways of delivering services to the many non-English speaking migrant workers. By providing official data on the needs of this group, and their impact on local service provision we aim to plan service provision in a strategic model.
Pump priming grants will be available to both voluntary sector and public sector. They will also be available for business support. Projects with costs of up to £6,000 addressing the needs of migrant workers in South Lincolnshire can apply.
Identified pump priming projects:
1. National data base: creating website www.migrantworker.co.uk
2. Translating website www.migrantworker.co.uk into different languages
3. Translated induction pack for small businesses on Health and safety issues.
4. Advocacy services in Spalding
5. Advocacy services in Boston
6. Managing crisis in South Lincolnshire
7. Drama performances at schools, addressing equality and diversity issues;
8. Qualification issues: prepare CV, first steps for interview, guidance and advice on employment issues.
9. Flexible communication tools for migrant workers and their employers: what they have to know about living in the UK and employing migrant workers.
Outcomes
The Gap Analysis will allow strategic planning to effect changes in service provision. The project will help to plan and integrate public services to match needs. Outcomes will be defined after the results of the Gap Analysis.
The project will benefit migrant workers by improving services. It will also benefit employers as their employees will be better supported. The public sector will benefit by sharing understanding and information, and in building a multi-agency approach to the needs of migrant workers. The project will also support cohesion in the wider community.
the Dynamics of Migrant Labour Team
Project contacts
Address: Migrant Workers Project, Community Team, South Holland District Council, Priory Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 2XE
