Continental Drift. Understanding advice and information needs for A8 migrant workers in Scotland
Exploited by landlords and employers, language difficulties and complex advice needs pose barriers to assistance for A8 migrant workers.
Citizens advice Scotland has published a new research report based on the evidence of Citizens Advice Bureau clients across Scotland. The findings show that a growing number of A8 migrants are approaching Advice Bureaux in Scotland for help with in-work benefits and the proper administration and payment of wages.
Citizens Advice Scotland calls on the UK Government to amend the worker registration scheme to reduce the vulnerability of A8 workers to exploitation by employers and landlords, and for employment law and legislation to be revised in light of the weaknesses that allow for a range of exploitative practices to be exercised by employers of migrant workers.
CAS calls on the UK, Scottish and local governments to:
- Fund an awareness campaign on the availability of advice to A8 migrant workers
- Provide specific funding to bureaux to meet the advice needs of this client group
- Fund comprehensive facilities to meet the language needs of both bureau advisers and migrant worker clients
- Commission research to extend understanding of the dynamic and changing character of A8 migration in Scotland.
Filed under: migrant support, news, research | Tagged: citizens advice bureau, immigration, migrant, migrant rights, migrant worker, migration
