Migrant workers in Wales

Glyn Davies's blog on the Polish community in Wales makes some valid points about the current downward trend in those from Poland moving to the UK to find work. There are of course varying reasons for such actions, but the most predominant being that due to the economic downturn in the UK at the moment, living costs are soaring, and those who are moving here from the A8 countries are suddenly finding that the money they earn is being thrown into this area as opposed to providing them with the opportunities to send money home to their families. Poland and other such countries are also settling in to the EU system, which means that there are steady increases in salaries in their countries of residence, thus negating the need for them to move elsewhere to find jobs and support their loved ones.

Nevertheless, the reality at the moment is that there are thousands of people from such countries settling in Wales without sufficient support mechanisms around them in terms of understanding how to access advice on employment, benefits and such. They are also very vulnerable to unscrupulous employers who take advantage of the fact that they do not have sufficient skills in English or Welsh language, in communicating their situation to relevant authorities.

The Equal Opportunities committee at the National Assembly, of which I am a member is currently carrying out a review on migrant workers, and I have found the evidence sessions from those who are supporting Polish, Portuguese or other EU residents in Wales very interesting, and thought provoking. We are set to advise the Welsh Assembly Government on how to improve support for such communities, and how to ensure that they are fully accepted into Welsh society.

We have heard evidence of the lack of ESOL funding available that enables migrant workers to learn both English and Welsh when they arrive here, the need to create an Employment Commission on a UK level so that migrant workers' rights are protected and respected, and the need for more partnership work between the WAG, Local Authorities and organisations such as Careers Wales, Embassies and voluntary organisations.

There is much to be done in this area, especially with regards to transferring migrant workers skills in to applicable qualifications here in Wales, but I sincerely hope that, given that many of the powers rests with the UK Government on this issue, that we will be able to take our key recommendations to both the Welsh Assembly Government and the UK Parliament.