Population: size isn’t everything

Debate about the UK’s growing population must move beyond statistics: we must maximise the benefits of migration, writes Jill Rutter of IPPR.
Once again, the release of Office for National Statistics (ONS) and European population projections has caused a flurry of anti-migration commentary in sectors of the media less comfortable with ethnic diversity. These population statistics [...]

Employers, migration and the ‘diversity dividend’ – IPPR

Government, local authorities and employers have underestimated the economic benefits that migrants bring to local economies, according to a new report to be published by the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) in September.
The report, which looks at the local economic impacts of migration, argues that discussion about local economic impacts tend to focus on [...]

Scottish Migrants Network: August 2008 update

SMN Update: Forthcoming Events, Conferences and Other Information August 2008

TUC call for an end to the Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) – please consider sending a message of support: more info…

UNISON launches migrant workers’ charter to challenge rogue employers – please consider lobbying your MSP to support the charter so there will be a parliamentary [...]

Website for Portuguese workers in UK

The TUC has launched a new Portuguese language website to support the large number of Portuguese workers in the UK.
The website www.trabalharnoreinounido.org explains the rights workers can expect at work, from the national minimum wage (NMW) and working time, through to holiday entitlement and sick pay.
The website – launched with the Citizens Advice service (CAB) [...]

Scottish Govt. funding to retain international talent

Investment of £232,761 has been announced to support international students wishing to remain and work in Scotland following completion of their studies.
Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani announced the new funding which will support 16 projects in nine universities and colleges across Scotland helping to retain valuable skills for our labour market [...]

Female migrant workers and the minimum wage

Report from the TUC of new research from COMPAS:
New TUC research published today (Monday 11 Aug 08) reveals that female migrant workers may be more likely than any other group to be paid less than the national minimum wage (NMW).
Reports of the abuse of migrant workers have become increasingly common and the research – commissioned [...]

New website for Scottish Borders area

www.newtotheborders.co.uk
An innovative web site has been developed to help inform migrants and newcomers to the Borders about the services and agencies that can provide them with advice, information and support.

The website is being launched at a lunchtime event hosted by Waverley Housing at the Mansfield House Hotel in Hawick on 7 August 2008. Robert [...]

Tear down the walls

Phillipe Legrain writes
Europe’s war against immigration is immoral and unwinnable. It’s time for a radical rethink. Europe prides itself on being a continent of human rights, freedom and international solidarity. Yet it is fighting an increasingly dirty war against immigration, with casualties mounting every day. The biggest victims are the poor and the vulnerable, who [...]

Migrants Rights News August 08

August 2008 edition of Migrants Rights News
The Migrants Rights Network is working for a rights-based approach to migration, with migrants as full partners in developing the policies and procedures which affect life in the UK. Migrants Rights News aims to inform our members and other groups working on migration issues about regional and national policy [...]

Race Religion & Refugee Integration Funding announced

A decision on the outcome of the RRRI fund has finally been made.
The Scottish Government Equality Unit’s Race, Religion and Refugee Integration funding stream is designed to improve the lives of minority ethnic and faith communities in Scotland, including refugees, asylum seekers, migrant workers and Gypsies/Travellers.
£5.5m funding has been made available from 1 July 2008 [...]