Migrant workers need to know their rights

Migrant workers in Northern Ireland need to be made aware of their employment rights, the Equality Commission has said today.

Dame Joan Harbison, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission told a Belfast conference that employers must make their staff specifically aware of their rights in areas such as medical and social services.

“Complex challenges accompany the growth in the migrant workforce here,” Dame Joan said. “Migrant workers can be isolated and disadvantaged by language differences and unfamiliarity with local services.

“This conference gives employers the opportunity to hear the experiences of others and learn from best practice. They will also get the chance to discuss the employment of migrant workers with key service providers in the areas of health, housing, social security, banking, education, immigration and other support areas.”

The conference, which was organised by the Equality Commission in partnership with Opportunity Now, the Diversity campaign for Business in the Community, aims to raise awareness of best practice amongst employers who employ migrant workers.

It will also signpost them to key service providers in the public and private sector who can meet the specific needs of migrant workers.

(MB/SP)