THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
Migrant workers are an essential part of the UK workforce. They work as doctors, nurses, bus drivers, cleaners, food workers, and farm laborers. They keep our hospitals running, our transport systems moving, and our shelves stocked. Yet a recent survey by the Unite union reveals that many of these workers face serious problems in their daily lives.
What the Unite Survey Found
The Unite union surveyed migrant workers across the UK, and the results were troubling. Nearly half of all migrant workers- 46% said they had experienced racism, discrimination, or unfair treatment at work. Even more concerning, almost half of those who faced mistreatment said it came from their own employer or manager. This means the very people who should be protecting workers are sometimes the ones causing harm.
The problems don’t stop at the workplace. Many migrant workers also face difficulties in their communities. They worry about their safety and their future in the UK. Some feel targeted and unwelcome, despite the vital work they do every day.
Growing Fears and Anxiety
The survey also revealed growing anxiety among migrant workers. Many are worried about changes to immigration rules, particularly those affecting their ability to stay in the UK permanently. Government rhetoric and planned legislation have made people nervous about their long-term security, even when they have been contributing to British society for years.
This anxiety has been made worse by recent events, including riots in 2024 that targeted migrant communities. Workers who came to the UK to build better lives and contribute to the economy now sometimes feel unsafe and unwelcome.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, called the findings “shocking.” She emphasized that migrant workers deserve dignity and respect, just like any other worker. When nearly half of migrant workers face discrimination, it’s not just an individual problem – it’s a systemic issue that affects entire communities and industries.
These workers are not taking jobs away from others. They are filling essential roles, often in difficult conditions. They care for sick patients, transport people to work, process food, and perform countless other vital tasks. Without them, many sectors of the UK economy would struggle to function.
The Unite union is calling on the government to recognize the contributions of migrant workers and to reverse policies that make it harder for them to gain permanent status. They argue that all workers, regardless of where they were born, should be treated fairly and with respect.
The survey’s findings reveal an uncomfortable truth: the UK depends on migrant workers, yet many of them face racism, discrimination, and exploitation. Creating a fair and welcoming environment for these essential workers is not just the right thing to do – it’s necessary for the country’s future prosperity and social cohesion.
References
1.https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/article/racism-workplace-rise-finds-new-poll
2.https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/uk-migrant-workers-subjected-to-racism-rising-abuse-in-workplaces-finds-unite-union-survey/
3. https://london.unison.org.uk/campaigns/end-the-exploitation-standing-with-migrant-workers/
