Gap Steps up with intergration training for migrant workers

Gap Personnel is one step ahead of recommendations recently made by industry body the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), concerning the provision of English Language training and integration support for temporary migrant workers, by establishing partnerships with local colleges, communities and having its own in-house registered training centre.

Mark Roberts, Operations Director at Gap Personnel, said: ìMigrant workers play an important role today, raising national economic output by expanding the supply of labour, filling gaps in the job market not met by the traditional UK workforce. The REC rightly points out that the lack of English language skills is one of the factors that can put migrant workers at risk of exploitation from unscrupulous employers.

ìRECís recent comments in the press highlight the fact that recruitment agencies can play an important role in helping migrant workers integrate. This is something that we have already identified as best practice and we have been proactive in assisting workers who need to source language training through our new tailor-made training suite and local college partnerships.î

Every Gap Personnel candidate is assessed for spoken and written English and a clear level has to be reached prior to them commencing work. Through the companyís training centre and partnerships with local colleges, English Language courses (as well as Basic Food Hygiene, Manual Handling, Learn Direct, IT and Health and Safety courses) are run for all candidates that fail to meet the agencyís minimum standard.

According to REC Director of External Relations Tom Hadley, ìEnglish language training is key to integrating and progressing within the labour market and is also crucial to enhancing health and safety and customer service.
Migrant workers currently make up 7% of the total UK population, or almost 10% of the working population. According to the governmentís Office for National Statistics, the majority of new migrants (64%) are Polish. Gap Personnel has a Polish speaking representative in every branch operation (a total of 30 throughout the UK) and works closely with local councils to ensure their workers are updated on community integration programmes.

Local councils and the REC have recently highlighted the exploitation migrant workers suffer. Many recruitment agencies recruit in Poland and will often charge a fee to each individual that is retained by the agency which is only refunded when the individual has completed a period of up to two years without any absence. Ridiculous pay rates that are incomparable to the UK workerís wage are also the norm, with accommodation being deducted from salary which is often charged way above market rental value.

In stark comparison all Gap personnel recruitment is carried out within the UK, therefore strictly complies by the Recruitment Agencies Act 1978, and all other legislation covered under WTD and DTI. All agency workers, whatever their origin, are paid in line with the agencyís client terms, therefore weekends, overtime will be paid at enhanced rates.

The Home Office recently estimated that migrant workers in the UK contribute 10% more in revenue than they receive in benefits, proving how important this workforce is to the UK economy.

Roberts concludes: ìWe acknowledge the importance this vulnerable workforce plays in the national and local economy and it is important that we work closely with candidates, clients and communities to maximise the benefits for all concerned.î