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Research published by Animate finds there is an urgent need to tackle specific manifestations of institutional and social racism targeted at migrant workers along with the untruths and stereotypes that inform them.
Research in relation the experiences of migrant workers in Northern Ireland was launched in Dungannon Council offices, Co Tyrone on the 19 June. The research is a compendium of a dozen or so pieces of primary research, conference reports and other papers developed over the course of the three year ‘Animate’ migrant worker equality initiative.
The project, focussing on policy interventions to improve circumstances for migrant workers was set up by Dungannon South Tyrone Borough Council and the community based South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (S.T.E.P) which runs an extensive migrant worker support programme.
The book is broken into seven chapters starting with an analysis of issues relating to racism, prejudice and discrimination. This concludes that whilst recognising the considerable amounts of anti-racism work going on at grassroots level there is an urgent need to tackle specific manifestations of institutional and social racism targeted at migrant workers along with the untruths and stereotypes that inform them.
The second chapter examines economic issues both in relation to economic impact and employment rights and exploitation. This concludes both that economic impacts have been largely positive but also examines negative impacts (mainly faced by migrants themselves) in relation to the impact of unfair treatment and abuses of rights of migrant workers. It concludes the need to take an employment rights approach to labour migration, to close loopholes in employment law and establish effective enforcement mechanisms for the same.
The research also looks at areas such as demography, the impacts of migration policy and specific issues in housing, education, local government and health provision. A chapter also examines gender specific issues in relation to migrant workers and another issues relating to language provision. The latter focuses not on language support initiatives but mainly on promoting more positive attitudes to languages other than English.
It is hoped the report will help inform both government and civil society alike that whilst the Northern Ireland is greatly benefiting from migration there remain numerous issues relating to the poor treatment of migrant workers that require urgent redress.
Launching the report, Councillor Barry Monteith Mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone said:
"This is an important piece of work which has been developed locally. We hope it will help inform both government and civil society alike that whilst the local area is greatly benefiting from migration, there remain numerous issues relating to the poor treatment of migrant workers that require urgent redress.
It is not enough for central government just to reap the financial benefits of increased migration without planning and resourcing. What we need is for them to be planning first class public services for all"
Bernadette McAliskey, Programme Coordinator of S.T.E.P. said:
"This publication is the tangible and enduring legacy of the work undertaken over the three year partnership between S.T.E.P. and our local council. The shared project 'raised the game' for all the players in this field at policy level and made a significant contribution to addressing the challenge of integration of new immigrating communities on the basis of equality and human rights."
Issues facing Migrant Workers and their Families in Northern Ireland
(360kb PDF)
“Issues facing Migrant Workers and their Families in Northern Ireland – a research compendium of Animate and partner research” was published by Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council and the South Tyrone Empowerment Programme.
Copies can be downloaded from the research page on www.animate-ccd.net or from this site.
Hard copies can be obtained by contacting:
Daniel Holder
Racial Equality Officer
Dungannon South Tyrone Borough Council
Dungannon
t: 028 87720331.
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