Assembly Committee publishes report on issues affecting migrant workers in Wales
Migrant workers in Wales create new businesses, meet labour shortages and are no more likely to perpetrate crimes than other UK citizens, but a significant number of this valuable workforce are unscrupulously exploited.
This was the verdict of an inquiry by the National Assembly for Wales’ Equality of Opportunity Committee which launched its findings in a report published today (Wednesday).
The Committee’s inquiry into ‘Issues affecting Migrant Workers in Wales, their families, and the Communities in which they live and work’ has held 6 formal Committee Meetings to take evidence from the Welsh Assembly Government, local government, trade unions, law enforcement authorities, embassy representatives, faith groups, and voluntary organisations.
The report focuses both on issues affecting migrant workers in Wales - calling for more opportunities for English language learning - and on issues affecting communities in which migrant workers live and work - calling for a co-ordinated approach to mapping migrant worker numbers in communities, to enable better service planning.
Chair of the Committee, Ann Jones AM, launching the report in the Pierhead building of Cardiff Bay commented:
“While undertaking the inquiry, I was encouraged by the support offered to migrant workers, to help them integrate into the community and workplace.
“However, I was disappointed to learn of exploitation amongst this valuable workforce, often due to people not being aware of their rights and responsibilities, an issue exacerbated by language barriers.
“I hope all our recommendations, particularly those concerned with English language training, are accepted by the Welsh Assembly Government, to help overcome such barriers. Addressing the issue of language ourselves, in addition to our main report, we have produced a summary document, which is available in languages other than English and Welsh on request.
“I am also concerned about the number of myths circulating about migrant workers which encourages discrimination and harassment. Contrary to explosive headlines that ‘immigration brings more crime’, evidence received in this inquiry suggests that migrant workers are no more likely to be the perpetrators, or victims, of crime than other UK citizens. The Committee took evidence outlining that far from ‘taking other people’s jobs’, many migrant workers took on low-paid and low-skilled work where there were labour shortages.
“Members consider that migrant workers in Wales create new business and boost our economy. Wales has a long history of migration and diversity, and we should celebrate this. Responsible media reporting of stories concerning migrant workers can play a critical role in dispelling many of the myths circulating about migrant workers.
“We have made a number of recommendations to the Welsh Assembly Government and listed examples of good practice which I hope will ensure equality of opportunity for migrant workers, their families, the organisations and staff with whom they come into contact, and other people in the communities in which they live and work.”
Copies of the report, and a summary of the report, available in languages other than English and Welsh on request, are available from:
Equality of Opportunity Committee
Committee Service
National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff Bay
CF99 1NA
Tel: 029 2089 8149
E-mail: Linda.heard@wales.gsi.gov.uk
An electronic version of this report will be available on the Equality of Opportunity Committee’s section:
Notes to Editors:
The report was launched at the Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay.
The Equality of Opportunity Committee members are Ann Jones AM, Chair, Eleanor Burnham AM, Joyce Watson AM, Nick Ramsay AM, Bethan Jenkins AM.