Menu
10/11/2004
Registration scheme lures thousands of EU workers
Around 91,000 people from eight of the EU's accession states have signed up to the new worker registration scheme registered, according to figures released today.
The Home Office revealed that up to 45% of that number had been working illegally prior to the May 1 sign on date.
The Home Secretary hailed the scheme for persuading foreign workers to regularise their status and pay taxes.
David Blunkett said that the influx of labour had filled gaps in industries such as hospitality and agriculture, and contributed to the UK overall productivity
The Home Secretary said that migration had to be coupled with a continued drive against illegal working through tightening the UK's border controls, stepping up enforcement activity and removals, and targeting employers who exploit their workforce.
The government said that it would be bringing in a new offence to prevent unscrupulous employers from holding their workers to ransom by holding onto their documents. A multi-agency team will also be created to drive forward enforcement action against these employers.
Mr Blunkett said: "Illegal workers have legitimised their status and are contributing to the economy, benefiting from protection in the workplace and allowing us to focus resources on other forms of illegal working.
"This contrasts with some other countries who are unable to prevent free movement and have faced greater difficulties in tackling illegal working since May. We have always said that these new EU citizens are welcome to come here and work and contribute but not to claim benefits. Today's evidence shows that this policy has worked."
Citizens from accession states represent around one-in-300 workers in the UK, but between May and September they contributed approximately £120 million to UK GDP and paid approximately £20 million in tax and national insurance, according to the Home Office.
TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, said: "Far from sponging as some claimed, workers from the new Europe are propping up the economy in large parts of rural and small town Britain."
(gmcg)
The Home Office revealed that up to 45% of that number had been working illegally prior to the May 1 sign on date.
The Home Secretary hailed the scheme for persuading foreign workers to regularise their status and pay taxes.
David Blunkett said that the influx of labour had filled gaps in industries such as hospitality and agriculture, and contributed to the UK overall productivity
The Home Secretary said that migration had to be coupled with a continued drive against illegal working through tightening the UK's border controls, stepping up enforcement activity and removals, and targeting employers who exploit their workforce.
The government said that it would be bringing in a new offence to prevent unscrupulous employers from holding their workers to ransom by holding onto their documents. A multi-agency team will also be created to drive forward enforcement action against these employers.
Mr Blunkett said: "Illegal workers have legitimised their status and are contributing to the economy, benefiting from protection in the workplace and allowing us to focus resources on other forms of illegal working.
"This contrasts with some other countries who are unable to prevent free movement and have faced greater difficulties in tackling illegal working since May. We have always said that these new EU citizens are welcome to come here and work and contribute but not to claim benefits. Today's evidence shows that this policy has worked."
Citizens from accession states represent around one-in-300 workers in the UK, but between May and September they contributed approximately £120 million to UK GDP and paid approximately £20 million in tax and national insurance, according to the Home Office.
TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, said: "Far from sponging as some claimed, workers from the new Europe are propping up the economy in large parts of rural and small town Britain."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 March 2006
Points-based immigration criteria scheme launched
A new points-based immigration system, similar to that used by Australia, has been launched by the Home Secretary. The points based system is a central part of the Government's five year strategy for asylum and immigration, which was published in February 2005, and aims to ensure that only those who benefit Britain can come here to work or study.
Points-based immigration criteria scheme launched
A new points-based immigration system, similar to that used by Australia, has been launched by the Home Secretary. The points based system is a central part of the Government's five year strategy for asylum and immigration, which was published in February 2005, and aims to ensure that only those who benefit Britain can come here to work or study.
12 February 2008
Watch Out! Illegal Downloaders Facing Internet ban
The six million people who download music and films illegally in the UK every year are going to have to watch their backs - as well as their pirated movies. A planned Government crackdown - to be announced next week - will target those caught illegally downloading music and films and try to have them banned from the Internet.
Watch Out! Illegal Downloaders Facing Internet ban
The six million people who download music and films illegally in the UK every year are going to have to watch their backs - as well as their pirated movies. A planned Government crackdown - to be announced next week - will target those caught illegally downloading music and films and try to have them banned from the Internet.
22 September 2006
Police force admits rejecting white recruits
Gloucestershire police force has admitted illegally rejecting over 100 potential recruits because they were white men. The police force admitted 'randomly deselecting' men in order to meet government targets to boost the number of ethnic minority and female recruits in its ranks.
Police force admits rejecting white recruits
Gloucestershire police force has admitted illegally rejecting over 100 potential recruits because they were white men. The police force admitted 'randomly deselecting' men in order to meet government targets to boost the number of ethnic minority and female recruits in its ranks.
11 November 2005
TUC warn on older workers’ redundancy pay
Older workers could face reduced redundancy payments, when new age discrimination regulations come into force next year, the Trades Union Congress has warned. Employees aged over 41 who lose their jobs currently receive higher statutory redundancy payments than younger workers with the same length of service.
TUC warn on older workers’ redundancy pay
Older workers could face reduced redundancy payments, when new age discrimination regulations come into force next year, the Trades Union Congress has warned. Employees aged over 41 who lose their jobs currently receive higher statutory redundancy payments than younger workers with the same length of service.
07 April 2004
Thousands of new homes to be sited on surplus NHS land
More than 15,000 new homes are to be built on surplus NHS land, the government has announced today. Over 100 sites are involved, totalling over 1,650 hectares - equivalent to the size of Hammersmith and Fulham combined. The land will be used to tackle housing shortages as part of the £22 billion Sustainable Communities Plan.
Thousands of new homes to be sited on surplus NHS land
More than 15,000 new homes are to be built on surplus NHS land, the government has announced today. Over 100 sites are involved, totalling over 1,650 hectares - equivalent to the size of Hammersmith and Fulham combined. The land will be used to tackle housing shortages as part of the £22 billion Sustainable Communities Plan.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
