Legal News

The government’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has found that migrant workers have not affected the job opportunities or pay of native workers in the UK – but migrant workers often face exploitation because enforcement agencies are not able to tackle the issue of migrant workers trapped in low-paid jobs in Britain.

MAC found that the bodies tasked with the job of tackling migrant worker exploitation in the UK – HM Revenue and Customs and the Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority (GLA) – were under-resourced and as a result British labour regulation are not being complied with or enforced properly.

The Daily Express reports that migrant workers have not, however, impacted seriously on the pay of British workers or had a detrimental impact on the UK economy.

However, the influx of migrant workers to the UK has put local authorities under pressure as they struggle to provide enough local services to meet the demands of a “rapidly” changing population, including providing enough school places or housing and healthcare.

The speed at which the population and workforce in the UK has changed has been highlighted by MAC’s report into migrant workers in Britain.

Chair of MAC Professor Sir David Metcalf said:

“Our flexible labour market has served us well – but vulnerable, low-skilled workers, whether British or foreign, need protection.
“There is incomplete compliance with and enforcement of labour regulations – and regulatory resources and penalties are inadequate,” he added.
“A typical employer can expect a compliance visit just once in 250 years – and a prosecution once in a million years.
Prof Metcalf said that the UK had to “redouble” its efforts and “equip our young people with the skills to compete in a flexible job market”.
Labour Shadow Immigration Minister David Hanson said that the MAC report showed that the government’s immigration policy was failing. Mr Hanson said:

“It's unacceptable that businesses have a one in a million chance of being prosecuted for not paying the minimum wage – and can expect an inspection visit just once every 250 years.
“The report also echoes Labour's promise to strengthen enforcement of minimum wage laws, extend the Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority – and ensure there are stronger controls in future if any other countries join the EU.
“A Labour government would also do more to tackle the exploitation and undercutting of workers, which would help reduce demand for low skilled immigration,” Mr Hanson added.
The Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority is a government agency which works to protect the rights of employees in the agricultural, horticultural and shellfish industries – sectors which many migrant workers are in employed in on seasonal or low-pay contracts.

Since October 2006, employers in those industries have to obtain a licence from the GLA.

Duncan Lewis Immigration Lawyers

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of immigration lawyers and can advise migrant workers in the UK on issues such as right to work in Britain, illegal entry to the UK, British citizenship, UK visas and visa overstays, spousal visas and student visas.

Duncan Lewis is also one of the UK’s leading immigration firms handling asylum applications in Britain and asylum appeals.

For expert legal advise on UK immigration law, asylum in the UK and right to work in the UK, contact Duncan Lewis immigration lawyers on 020 7923 4020.