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.
|