EEDA - Migrant workers

Migrant workers

Supporting people > Economic Participation > Migrant workers

Migrant workers

Workers from other countries make a vital contribution to the region's economy. EEDA works with other regional partners and with central government to ensure that the East of England gets the maximum benefit from migrant labour.

Click here to read the latest research

How the region benefits from migrant workers

workers who come to this region, from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, fill local gaps in labour or skills. This helps businesses to grow and prevents them from failing or moving out of the region
the mobility of migrant workers means that the economy can adapt more easily to changing economic conditions. This leads to faster growth and would also cushion the effect of economic downturn
workers from other countries bring different perspectives and experiences that can boost innovation and productivity
developing international connections and global networks can stimulate opportunities for new trade and investment.

Read more in a specially commissioned essay by critically acclaimed writer and consultant, Philippe Legrain:

Why the East of England needs migrant workers - and what it must do to make the most of them (pdf, 160kb).

What EEDA is doing

Through the regional migrant worker steering group, EEDA works with a broad range of partners to support the needs of migrants while also ensuring that migration works for the region. EEDA's activity can be grouped into four categories:

Research: determining the facts about migration and understanding the experiences of migrant workers. EEDA is at the forefront of research on issues of migrant working and uses the evidence it gathers to influence regional and national policy. Click here to read more.

Information: it is important for migrant workers to have the right information before they arrive in the UK and while they are here. Employers also need to be aware of current regulations, their responsibilities and migrants' rights. EEDA has contracted HTK Ltd to deliver a new national portal for migrant workers which will address these information requirements. Click here to read more.

Coordination: at a conference in November 2007, EEDA led calls for better coordination in response to migration issues within and across regions of the UK and also within central government. It continues to work alongside key partners on this agenda. Click here to read more.

Promotion: at a workshop in December 2008, employers in the East of England gave feedback on a new flowchart that was designed by EEDA and UKBA in order to help employers find the right information about employing migrant workers. This flowchart has now been finalised and is available in the resources box below.