Migrant workers
This section deals with employing workers who speak either little or no English.
There are a number of links to resources and further information for employers and migrant workers.
If you employ non-English speaking workers you must be aware of the language and cultural barriers that may prevent your business from operating smoothly.
Employers need to know the following facts about their non-native English speaking employees:
- Can they speak und understand enough English for their role?
- Can they read and understand working instructions and health and safety related notices and warnings?
Employers have a legal duty to ensure the employee understands notices, symbols etc related to Health and Safety. If the employee does not understand or can’t read English, these have to be translated into the employee’s language. - Are there other members of staff who can speak the employee’s native language? They could help the employee understand the working culture and environment in the UK.
- What is the employee’s job history? This shows whether he/she has relevant experience to work in this job.
Make sure you are understood
Employers should use the following measures to make sure their non-native English speaking employees understand them:
- Use simple language
- Demonstrate tasks and actions, use gestures
- After explaining something, ask the employee to explain it back to you to check if the employee understands
- Translate important notices into the employee’s own language. This is particularly important to avoid a breach of Health and Safety regulations.
- Employ a cultural briefing consultant to help employees understand the way in which we work and our culture. Think also about their native culture and how the existing workforce, by learning some simple customs, can make the new employee feel more welcomed.
Resources and further information for migrant workers and their employers
Migrant Gateway - Help for migrants to the UK : a website for migrant workers and employers, trade unions and other agencies who work with them. The site contains legal information about rights as an employee or a worker, rights to housing, immigration status, healthcare, and more. www.migrantgateway.eu
Advice in Polish for Polish migrant workers - The TUC, together with Polish trade union Solidarnosc and the Citizens Advice Bureau, has set up a website with advice for Polish workers in the South West of the UK. The website explains workers' rights and entitlements, social issues and guidance on living and working in the UK.
www.pracawbrytanii.org
Guide for New Workers in Britain 2008 - this guide from Multicultural UK aims to help international workers settle quickly and easily into the UK. The guide is full of practical advice from how to open a bank account to how to find accommodation as well as cultural information about living and working in the UK. This guide is an updated version of the 2007 UK Guide for International Workers, and is available in English and Polish.
To find out more about the guide or to order your copy, visit the publisher's website at www.fractalpublishing.co.uk , or contact Miriam Roberts, Director of Mulitcultural UK, on 01905 359342.
Learndirect, a government-backed network of centres providing
e-learning support, offers advice for organisations employing migrant workers and for people wanting to work in the UK.
Visit the Learndirect Advice website for advice on working in the UK.
If you require information about available courses in languages other than English, please visit this page on the Learndirect Advice website.
The South West England website provides a page of web links with useful information for migrant workers.
Employing Migrant Workers website
The Home Office has produced this accessible site on the legal aspects of employing migrant workers, plus information on supporting your employees, including language and cultural issues, and making the most of a diverse workforce. You can also read a number of case studies on well-known employers who have developed successful policies on employing migrant workers and diversity.
Visit the Employing Migrant Workers website
Business Link has developed an online list where employers can check the eligibility of their migrant workers.
Visit the Business Link website
Return to main Staff at Work page.
