Background to the Research

• Previous research on immigrants has promoted the idea that NI is increasingly becoming a multi-culturally diverse society.
• Although migrant workers have developed a visible presence within Northern Irish society within recent years, very little is known about those individuals who move to NI on a temporary basis in pursuit of greater economic rewards.
• Anecdotal evidence suggested that migrant workers are particularly prevalent in the health sector and meat processing industry.
• A number of problems were anticipated, such as racism, potential economic exploitation, language difficulties as well as lack of knowledge about their legal and civil rights.
• This research was commissioned by the Equality Directorate Research Unit of OFMDFM.
• Its aim was to provide baseline data on migrant workers, to identify the problems experienced and obstacles faced when attempting to access information and public service provision.
  

Research Approach

• A triangulated methodological approach was adopted by the researchers. This included analysing statistical data, policy documentation and qualitative information from all 10 NI government departments, which was facilitated by OFMDFM. The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency provided 2001 Census data.
• Information on work permits was provided by the Department of Employment and Learning and data on National Insurance Numbers was provided by the Department of Work and Pensions. The UK Immigration Authority and Police Service of Northern Ireland provided information on undocumented workers.
• One hundred and seventy six migrant workers completed a survey which collected information on demographics, education, housing, employment, discrimination and public services. It was available in English, Russian, Portuguese, and French
• Focus groups and interviews were conducted with 58 migrant workers and focused on issues such as reasons for migrating, housing, public services and problems encountered.
• Interviews were conducted with a wide range of employers from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors as well as employers' organizations and minority groups' supporters.
• In the introduction, the authors discuss the debate surrounding the definition of 'immigrant' versus 'migrant worker'. It also includes a review of the existing literature on migrant workers on migrant workers in NI, the UK and the ROI. They also outline each of the six categories of migrant workers, which include students and Commonwealth Working Holidaymakers.
• Following on from their review of the literature, the authors defined a migrant worker as 'an individual who arrives in the host country either with a job to go to or with the intention of finding one'.
• They excluded migrants from Great Britain and the ROI working in NI from the study.
  

Main Findings

Statistical Profile

• Due to the wide variety of categories and classifications used, the authors found it difficult to identify the total number of migrant workers in NI.
• The use of some sources hindered the extrapolation of data on migrant workers from immigrants.
• According to the 2001 Census, 5,940 people living in NI were born in EU countries and 20,719 were born in non-EU countries giving a total of 26,659 of migrant workers or their dependents.
• The spring 2003 Labour Force Survey provided an estimation of 9,000 migrant workers in NI.
• Approximately 2,000 people are working without legal documentation according to the UK Immigration Service.
• NI has experienced a net overflow of population since 1992. According to the UK national Statistics, during this period, out-migration has exceeded immigration by 1,300 people.
• Applications for National Insurance Numbers did not indicate any significant gender differences amongst applicants.
• Between the years 1998-2003, the maximum number of people working on work permits was 7,082. Although 6,502 possessed work permits which allowed spouses to accompany them and which would allow spouses to work without permission.
• The authors conclude that although they were unable to provide an actual estimate of the number of migrant workers, it highlighted the need for this work to be developed and the potential offered by using a variety of sources.

Demographic Profile

• The Institute for Conflict Research survey indicated that 57% of the sample were married, 67% of whom were living with their partners and 38% with their children.
• The highest numbers of EU nationals came from Portugal. Migrants from outside the EEA came from the Philippines, India, USA, Canada, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, South Africa and Malaysia.
• Forty eight percent of the survey respondents had lived in NI for less than a year, 13% had lived here between 1-2 years, 29% between 2-5 years and only 10% for more than 5 years.
• Seventy five percent are aged between 18-44 years.
• Seventy three percent of survey respondents possessed a degree qualification although many reported experiencing difficulty having their qualifications recognised.
• It is estimated that the 2004 enlargement of the EU will result in an increase in migrants from Eastern Europe seeking employment.

Employment

• The survey revealed that migrant workers are employed in 29 different occupations. The key areas include: health, academia; the hospitality and restaurant industry, retail and wholesale, with a small number working in agriculture.
• The Census data indicated that 49% are employed at managerial, professional and associate professional levels.
• Migrant workers, of all nationalities, are living throughout NI. However, large communities have emerged as a result of the dependency of the meat processing industry on Portuguese migrant workers.
• There are a range of jobs which migrant workers had done in their home countries but had not undertaken in NI. These include: psychologist, public servant, fireman, journalist, electrician, hairdresser and painter. Seven were previously employed as teachers, none of whom are currently employed as teachers in Northern Ireland.
• The number of hours worked ranged between less than 16 to over 70 hours per week. Two thirds worked between 36-40 hours per week.
• Three people stated that they earned below the minimum wage. Nineteen percent earned less than £10,000 per year, whilst the majority earned between £10,001 and £16,000 (37%) and between £16,001 and £18,000 (27%).
• Earning power was significantly influenced by English language proficiency.
• The authors provide an overview of the recruitment and employment process, as seen from the perspectives of employees, employers and employment agencies.
• Many employment agencies, a vital link between employer and migrant worker, are unregulated, and often appear to use practices which exploit migrant workers.

Understanding Migration

• The authors reviewed the various theories on why people migrate to another country as well as the impact on source and destination countries of migrant workers.
• It is accepted that host countries do benefit from an influx of skilled labour and the opportunity to fill jobs which local people do not wish to undertake.
• Migrant workers could contribute to the economy through the consumption of housing, retail, entertainment as well as enriching the society through cultural diversity.
• They categorised the key influences as either 'push' or 'pull' factors. The key 'pull' factors, which attracted people towards coming to NI included: higher salaries; active recruitment for shortage occupations; career development opportunities; a better standard and cheaper cost of living; accompanying a spouse; and the opportunity to experience a new culture. The one push factor, which encouraged someone to move away from their country in search of employment, was identified as simply being the lack of available opportunities.
• Reasons for staying in NI included a perceived higher standard of living, a more peaceful existence, and a better education system.

Key Problems with Harassment, Accessing Information and Public Services

• A wide range of problems experienced by migrant workers in NI were identified. They included: harassment, housing, accessing information and public services.
• Fifty one percent of survey respondents admitted that they had experienced the following types of discrimination: 30% verbal abuse; 23% perceived discrimination; 19% had been harassed and 8% had been physically assaulted.
• This was most commonly experienced in the street but also occurred frequently in bars, shops, in their home and whilst accessing public services.
• Nineteen percent admitted to not feeling secure within their own homes.
• Many were harassed because of perceived association with one of the two main communities, whilst others were harassed because they were perceived to be Catholic.
• Few reported these incidents to the Police, and some complained of the attitudes of the Police Service. A number of multi-agency initiatives, although established, are in their infancy.
• Most migrant workers live in rented accommodation. Housing is problematic for many, but even more so if provided by employers, which resulted in people living in undesirable conditions.
• Leaving a job is therefore considerably more onerous because it also involved moving house as well and is particularly common amongst couples and people with children.
• The key agencies which migrant workers engage with are: the Housing Executive, Social Security Agency, Health and Education services and the police.
• The key obstacles which agencies must address are: improving the provision of basic information about access and rights to services and increasing the availability of interpreters.
• The authors found evidence that these agencies were beginning to grapple with the challenge of addressing the needs of this new and distinctive population by introducing new policies and procedures.
• Information and support was sought from a variety of sources including community and voluntary group, District Councils, Non-Governmental Organisations, Trade Unions and the Citizens Advice Bureaux.
• Examples were provided of local organisations which were developed to assist migrant workers throughout the more rural areas and smaller towns in NI.

Conclusions

• The report concludes by stating that the migrant worker population is growing and is also very diverse in nature.
• The authors make a number of recommendations with regards to: employment; public services; information and support and the need for further action.
• They concluded that attempts by statutory service providers to meet the needs of migrant workers have been hindered by the lack of cross-departmental data on this population.
• They urge an increased effort in cross-sectoral working to identify areas of concern as well as possible solutions to these problems.