Unions Launch new Report About Migrant Workers in Wales

A new trade union report which outlines the employment experiences of migrant workers in Wales will be launched by the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Brian Gibbons AM, 6pm Tuesday 4 December at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff bay.

In the paper, “One Workforce – Migrant Workers: A Trade Union Report” trade unions uncover the facts about the concentration of highly qualified migrant workers in low skill, low paid jobs, working long hours in demanding and unpleasant conditions.

Written by Victoria Winckler of the Bevan Foundation, the report makes a list of key recommendations for unions, business and the Welsh Assembly Government to improve the working conditions of migrant workers in Wales.

Key recommendations include targeting hard to organise sectors, greater support for English language learning, more strategic direction from the Welsh Assembly Government and an agreed code of conduct for the employment of migrant workers in Wales.

Alongside the report, Wales TUC will also launch a new poster campaign targeting the myths around migrant workers in Wales.

Speaking ahead of the event, Derek Walker, Head of Wales TUC Policy and Campaigns said:

“Migrant workers are vital to the growth of our economy and are filling key skills gaps helping to deliver public services in Wales.”

“Trade unions will be taking forward the key recommendations and urging stakeholders, like the Welsh Assembly Government, to address the current gaps in provision, join the campaign for better regulation of employment rights and, at a key time, press the UK Government to support the temporary agency workers directive.”

Social Justice Minister Dr Brian Gibbons AM said:

“Migrant workers make an important contribution to the Welsh economy, paying taxes, and often filling skills shortages and seasonal vacancies in our key industries, including agriculture, hospitality and catering.

“Last year we launched a ‘Welcome to Wales Pack for Migrant Workers’ which provided specialist information on worker rights, housing, education, health, and opportunities for migrant workers who come to Wales to work.

The Welsh Assembly Government is also working closely with Welsh local authorities to ensure migrant workers are being properly catered for across Wales and we are supportive of any initiatives which prevent their exploitation.

“It is important that we understand as much about migrant workers in Wales as we can. That is why we are carrying out research in three local authority areas (Wrexham, Carmarthenshire and Newport) to identify the number of migrant workers in each area, the impact on services and any difficulties migrant workers may have in accessing those services.”

Notes to Editors:

· The report, “One Workforce – Migrant Workers: A Trade Union Report” will be launched at 6pm on Tuesday 4 December at the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay.
The report will be launched by Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Brian Gibbons AM. Vaughan Gething, Wales TUC Vice-President will Chair the launch. Victoria Winckler, report author and Director of the Bevan Foundation will introduce the report and Alicja Zalesinska (Outreach Officer, Economic Migrants, Race Equality First) will highlight specific case studies.

· The report was sponsored by and undertaken for Wales TUC, Thompsons Solicitors, Unite, Unison and the GMB.

· Media Enquiries: Christopher Hartwell t: 029 2034 7010 or e: chartwell@tuc.org.uk

· PDF versions of the document are available on request.

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