Menu
19/06/2007
Migrant workers 'benefit UK economy'
The British economy is benefiting from the influx of migrant workers to the UK, a TUC study has claimed.
The TUC said that immigrants were paying more in taxes than the value of the public services they receive. The union also claimed that the arrival of migrant workers has not depressed jobs or wages.
However, the TUC warned that migrant workers were still at risk of being exploited by "unscrupulous" employers and said that employment rights, such as the minimum wage, should be strictly enforced.
Many migrant workers have come to the UK from eastern Europe since 2004, when a number of new countries joined the European Union.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "Migrant workers are making a substantial contribution to Britain's economy, and some sectors would collapse if they were removed overnight. They haven't caused mass unemployment or held wages down as some would have us believe.
"But we do not do enough to protect vulnerable workers, whether migrant or indigenous, from exploitation. If migrant workers are treated fairly and paid a decent wage they can only add to the economy, and pose no threat to the livelihoods of the rest of the workforce.
"The availability of migrant workers should not stop employers or government helping unemployed and disadvantaged UK citizens into work, nor stop efforts to give the low skilled the new skills they need to improve their job security and help them get better jobs."
(KMcA/JM)
The TUC said that immigrants were paying more in taxes than the value of the public services they receive. The union also claimed that the arrival of migrant workers has not depressed jobs or wages.
However, the TUC warned that migrant workers were still at risk of being exploited by "unscrupulous" employers and said that employment rights, such as the minimum wage, should be strictly enforced.
Many migrant workers have come to the UK from eastern Europe since 2004, when a number of new countries joined the European Union.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "Migrant workers are making a substantial contribution to Britain's economy, and some sectors would collapse if they were removed overnight. They haven't caused mass unemployment or held wages down as some would have us believe.
"But we do not do enough to protect vulnerable workers, whether migrant or indigenous, from exploitation. If migrant workers are treated fairly and paid a decent wage they can only add to the economy, and pose no threat to the livelihoods of the rest of the workforce.
"The availability of migrant workers should not stop employers or government helping unemployed and disadvantaged UK citizens into work, nor stop efforts to give the low skilled the new skills they need to improve their job security and help them get better jobs."
(KMcA/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 April 2005
Workplace racism is ‘damaging’ careers, TUC claims
Racism in the British workplace is “damaging” the career prospects of many black workers, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has claimed. The TUC said that black workers get less training opportunities, although they are often better qualified than their white counterparts.
Workplace racism is ‘damaging’ careers, TUC claims
Racism in the British workplace is “damaging” the career prospects of many black workers, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has claimed. The TUC said that black workers get less training opportunities, although they are often better qualified than their white counterparts.
23 February 2005
TUC claims some employment agencies 'cheat' workers
Many UK workers are earning less than the minimum wage, because some employment agencies are making illegal deductions from their pay, a Trades Union Congress (TUC) report has claimed.
TUC claims some employment agencies 'cheat' workers
Many UK workers are earning less than the minimum wage, because some employment agencies are making illegal deductions from their pay, a Trades Union Congress (TUC) report has claimed.
23 June 2005
UK temps ‘least protected in Europe’, TUC claims
UK agency workers are the least protected in Europe, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has claimed, with agency workers in Poland and Slovenia having more rights than British temps.
UK temps ‘least protected in Europe’, TUC claims
UK agency workers are the least protected in Europe, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has claimed, with agency workers in Poland and Slovenia having more rights than British temps.
16 May 2003
TUC calls for more rights for temps
The TUC has claimed that the "unregulated and fragmented" market in the UK has allowed recruitment agencies to exploit temporary workers.
TUC calls for more rights for temps
The TUC has claimed that the "unregulated and fragmented" market in the UK has allowed recruitment agencies to exploit temporary workers.
18 April 2011
UK To Aid Libyan Civilians
The UK International Development Secretary has pledged new funding to aid evacuation in war-torn Libya. Speaking to the BBC, Andrew Mitchell said the money would help migrant workers trapped in the city of Misrata. As the unrest in Libya continues, residents and aid workers have reported a major lack of food, power, water and medicine.
UK To Aid Libyan Civilians
The UK International Development Secretary has pledged new funding to aid evacuation in war-torn Libya. Speaking to the BBC, Andrew Mitchell said the money would help migrant workers trapped in the city of Misrata. As the unrest in Libya continues, residents and aid workers have reported a major lack of food, power, water and medicine.
-
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.
