Migrant workers in West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and the Humber

Aims

The study was funded from the European Social Fund to identify migrant workers’ experiences in the West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Humber labour markets and their support needs.

Methodology

The study reviewed literature and research and analysed available data sources. Interviews or focus groups were undertaken with 13 employers of migrant labour, 14 job brokers, and 6 community representatives. Fifty four A8 migrants took part in 5 focus groups and 6 were interviewed.

Key issues

The report provides estimates of migrant worker populations in Yorkshire and Humber and presents issues emerging from existing research on skills, occupations, barriers and support for migrant workers. The research offers findings on motivations, aspirations, recruitment processes, employment experiences, language issues, community integration, and support services.

Conclusions

Migrant workers have had a positive impact on labour markets; quality and availability of data needs to be improved; improving English language skills is important; there are a variety of views on intended length of stay among migrants.

Recommendations

The recommendations, aimed at a wide range services, employers and landlords cover issues of planning services, language, qualifications, information, cohesion and accommodation.