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Migrant workers are valuable asset to society - Empey

19 June 2007

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today commented on results from the Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey on the public’s attitude to migrant workers.

Sir Reg Empey said: “Migrant workers play an important part in shaping our local communities and in contributing to a more robust Northern Ireland economy. This economy remains dynamic despite the threat of potential labour shortages which migrant workers help to overcome.  I am therefore particularly encouraged by the significant level of recognition, that migrant workers are making a valuable input to local businesses and industry.

“As the lead department for migrant workers, I intend to ensure that their contribution to our society is recognised.  This survey highlights a number of other migrant worker related issues, many of which impact on a number of Northern Ireland departments and I will be raising these with Ministerial colleagues.  However, policy on who can enter and work in this country is a matter for the Government at Westminster.

“It remains a priority for my Department to ensure we have a modern and effective employment rights infrastructure that will afford suitable protection for all Northern Ireland workers, not least for those who may be more vulnerable, such as migrant workers.”

The survey was conducted as a result of a recommendation in an action plan produced by the Migrant Workers Thematic Sub-Group, that research should be undertaken into the public’s perception of migrant workers in Northern Ireland.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey can be found on the Department for Employment and Learning website at http://www.delni.gov.uk/publicattitudestomigrantworkers external link
  2. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 78782.