Welsh workers survive immigration
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/programmes/politics_show/7215770.stm Version 0 of 1. Mark Hannaby The Politics Show Wales Migrant workers fill jobs local people do not want Migrant workers are not keeping Welsh people out of jobs, according to a report produced for the Welsh Assembly Government. It also finds that workers from overseas have not slowed wage growth in Wales. The report, compiled by consultants Experian, is called "Quantifying the demand for unskilled labour in areas of low economic activity". The research has been welcomed by those working with migrants. The Chairman of Llanelli's Welsh-Polish Mutual Association Jeff Hopkins said: "I didn't know that this report was being commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government and I think that they should be thanked for doing it. "It puts to bed some of the myths that have surrounded migrant workers in as much as that they are taking jobs from Welsh people. "I do not believe that that is true and the report indicates that it is not true." No accurate statistics There are not accurate figures for the total number of migrant workers in Wales. One of Wales' Race Equality Councils has argued the figure could be several times higher than the National Insurance based estimate of 17,000. The Experian report says increased immigration, since the expansion of the European Union in 2004, was not responsible for rises in unemployment in 2005 and 2006. It also says increased migration has not affected wage growth. The Minimum Wage prevents undercutting in the lowest paid jobs. Fill unwanted jobs George Parker is Director of Parker Plant Hire in Llanelli. His firm employs Polish workers alongside those born in this country. Mr Parker said: "They're certainly not taking the work of people generally. "In fact in many cases they're doing jobs that sadly numbers of people here in Wales don't want to do." Far from British born people being disadvantaged in the job market, the report argues it is migrants with language difficulties who find many administrative and service sector jobs ruled out for them. Migrants enthusiastic The hard work and enthusiasm of migrants is commended in the report, which notes it often contrasts with the attitudes of UK nationals towards similar jobs. The research finds migrants are filling jobs locals do not want, rather than out-competing them. If foreign workers do not contribute to Welsh unemployment and inactivity, then the report does suggest factors which may. It points to a combination of wage expectations that are too high and a benefit trap whereby people believe they would not be much better off working than on benefits. The Politics Show for Wales, with Jon Sopel and Adrian Masters on Sunday 03 February at 12:00 GMT on BBC One. If you want to have your say, you can call 0845 300 90 10, or e-mail via the website. ... <i>Or</i> write to: The Politics Show, Room 1060, BBC Wales, Llandaff, Cardiff. CF5 2YO <hr> <a name="say"></a><form method="post" action="http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-bin/cgiemail/newstalk/talking_point_v2.txt"> <input name="email_subject" type="hidden" value="Wales"> <input name="mailto" type="hidden" value="politicsshowwales@bbc.co.uk"> <input name="success" type="hidden" value="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/politics_show/3723538.stm"> Send us your comments: Name: |