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Migrant workers need support


EMPLOYERS in Cumbria welcome migrant workers, who are easing staff recruitment problems in the county, and are keeping industries going, a report commissioned by Voluntary Action Cumbria (VAC) reveals.


The Migrant Workers in Cumbria – Calls to Action report, which will be published on Friday, April 11, highlights the positive economic input migrant workers make to the county, as well as documenting the working and social conditions they face.


While the majority of migrant workers told researchers they found people friendly and the area full of opportunities, many reported they were isolated by the language barrier and lacked means of socialising with local people.


The report also reveals that migrant workers experience significant discrimination at work, with accommodation and in social situations.


The publication of the report by VAC and its partners, Cumbria County Council and the Cumbria Equality and Diversity Partnership aims to highlight ways to address the problems experienced by migrant workers.


It sets out actions that will help workers integrate smoothly into Cumbrian communities and maximise the benefits that they bring to the Cumbrian economy.


VAC Chief Executive, Roger Roberts said: “Working with researchers from Edge Hill University and our partners we were interested to find not only how many migrant workers there are in Cumbria and what they are doing, but also about their real life experiences when they move here.”


“Although the evidence is very positive we have been worried to find that around 20% of those interviewed have had bad experiences in the workplace, socially or with housing. These are key areas that we must work to deal with. We also need to make it easier for migrant workers to access the unbiased advice they need to settle quickly and positively into their new life.”


Cllr Tim Stoddard, Leader of Cumbria County Council said: “This report confirms the positive influence migrant workers are having on the Cumbrian economy and also confirms that organisations need to continue shaping their services so they can be accessed by everybody. Cumbria is becoming a more ethnically diverse place and, while there have been a number of exciting initiatives to make our services truly multicultural, more work still needs to be done. We will be using this report to help build service delivery for the future.”


The Migrant Workers Report is published on the VAC website at www.ruralcumbria.ork.uk/migrantworkers.html


Ends


Further media information available from:


Roger Roberts, Voluntary Action Cumbria – Chief Executive Tel: 01768 869535 or Email rogerroberts@ruralcumbria.org.uk


Gareth Cosslett, Media Manager, Cumbria County Council Tel: 01228 606332 or Email gareth.cosslett@cumbriacc.gov.uk


Notes to Editors

Voluntary Action Cumbria


Cumbria County Council


Last updated on: 2008-04-16