28 May 07

New evidence on the experiences of East European migrants in Britain points to an urgent need to review government policy towards new arrivals - according to a new report from Oxford University's migration centre, COMPAS. The research project was funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Economic and Social Research Council.

A survey of more than 600 migrants in low wage jobs carried out before and after EU enlargement in May 2004 found that a lack of information and advice on arrival left many ignorant of the restrictions attached to their immigration status, how to access health care, where to get help and their rights at work.The migrants were employed in the UK as au pairs, agricultural workers, or in hospitality and the construction industry. The evidence has been given to the Commission on Integration and Cohesion which reports to the government in June.

The survey found that just over half of new arrivals had information about restrictions on their right to work and use of public services; and 47 per cent had information on their rights at work. Two thirds did not know how to register with a GP. Only 17 per cent knew where to get advice. Lead author Sarah Spencer said: 'The lack of information left some migrants vulnerable and for others just made life difficult. Yet when they were given practical information they usually found it met their needs.'

Researchers also found that almost half were sharing a room with at least one person other than a partner. A minority experienced poor housing, including overcrowding. Only one third of migrants had taken English classes; those with the poorest English were least likely to have done so. Long working hours and cost were contributory factors, but speaking English was a key factor in whether migrants had the information they needed, had social contact with British people and how they felt treated by them.

After two years in the UK one in four migrants still spent no leisure time with British people. Instead, they worked and lived with a diverse mix of recent and settled migrants. A third of migrants on au pair visas - a scheme which is meant to facilitate cultural exchange - spent no leisure time with British people. Agricultural workers were most isolated. Migrants reported that they often found British people polite, distant and ignorant of their home countries.

Sarah Spencer concluded: 'This study suggests there should be a review of national policy to give new migrants in the UK access to practical information and English classes, as well as addressing their accommodation needs with a wider strategy on affordable housing.'