Recession, Vulnerable Workers and Immigration

Background

In recent years the debates on the economic impact of migration in the UK have taken place in the context of relative economic growth and stability. The Labour government and “pro-migration” lobbyists have long argued that migrants contribute to economic growth and should be welcomed on this basis. However, there have been counter claims (largely, but not exclusively from the right) that the “costs” of migration have been disproportionately carried by low waged and unemployed UK nationals. By early 2009 the context of the migration debate had changed considerably. At times of economic recession, competition in low waged labour markets, and more generally, nationalism and racism can flourish. The slogan “British jobs for British workers”, taken up by workers and some elements of the trades union movement in early 2009 suggests that such claims may gain ground. Moreover, vulnerable workers are often found at the intersection of changing regulations to do with benefits, work and citizenship and the recession is occurring at a time of intense legislative change in both the areas of welfare benefits and immigration, change designed before the economic recession began to bite.  

Aims

We are now entering a dynamic period of labour market restructuring. This project aims to examine the differing impacts of recession and recovery (by sector, area, occupation etc) on a highly diversified workforce and to explore the relation between short term shocks and long term impacts. Specifically the project will examine the following:

  • dynamics and inter-relations of global, national and local labour markets, with a migration “lens”. i.e. what does migration tell us about “vulnerability” in the labour market more generally; and how does this relate to labour market institutions and legislative frameworks set nationally (e.g. citizenship, LITs, raids and welfare benefits) and at an EU level (e.g. posted workers)
  • restructuring processes  as social and political as well as economic. What encourages competition or solidarity between low waged workers?
  • changes in dynamics of discrimination, citizenship and migration.

Preliminary Outputs

COMPAS has produced a discussion document summarising the state of knowledge of the recession and its impact on vulnerable workers, particularly migrants. Given the recession is widespread affecting all sectors and regions there are likely to be significant local variations. The discussion document comprises a review of published material, and an outline survey of what’s going on at a local level.  

Click here to download background report (.pdf)

COMPAS also produced a briefing on legislative changes to welfare benefits, immigration and citizenship.  These documents were presented at a round table discussion hosted by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and COMPAS in March 2009. The meeting brought together practitioners, policy makers and academics who are active and knowledgeable about issues that affect low waged workers and those marginalized from labour markets, in particular, migrants and unemployed people.  Discussion and comments made during this event have informed the published report and will be taken forward in a forthcoming event and potential funding proposal for a more long-term, in-depth study. 

Researchers

Ali Rogers - Email: ali.rogers@geog.ox.ac.uk

COMPAS Contact - Bridget Anderson, Email: bridget.anderson@compas.ox.ac.uk

PCS Contact - Nick Clark, Email: n.clark@londonmet.ac.uk