Researching A8 Migrant Labour in Lanarkshire Edinburgh, 19 February 2009 Duncan Sim (UWS) Research conducted with Aileen Barclay and Isobel Anderson (Stirling)

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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’

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

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.

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

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)

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

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!