Unions Work for Refugees and Asylum Seekers Conference Report
10am 4pm, Friday 4 June 2004 STUC Centre, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow
A conference on trade unions' role in integrating refugees and asylum seekers into the working environment.
Report Contents:
Conference Programme Page 2
Overview of the day Page 4
Presentations (where available) Page 9
Workshop reports Page 25
Future actions Page 28
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Section 1
Unions Work for Refugees and Asylum Seekers Conference Programme
10.00 Registration and tea/coffee
10.30 Welcome and Introduction Anne Douglas, President STUC
10.40 The Scottish Executive Perspective Lesley Irving, Head of the Race, Religion and Refugee Integration Team, Scottish Executive
Context
10.55 An introduction to issues of asylum, together with the history of Glasgow's involvement with asylum seekers Jim Laird, Manager, Cosla Refugee & Asylum Seekers Consortium
11.10 Accessing the Work Place: the barriers preventing asylum seekers entering the workplace Maggie Lennon, Institute of Contemporary Scotland
11.25 Exploitation: The abuse of refugee and asylum seeking workers Able Miller, refugee and former MP in Zimbabwe
11.40 Panel Question Session Chair: Anne Douglas
12.30 Lunch Break
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13.15 Best Practice in Scotland
· The New Glaswegians Projects, New Glaswegians' experience of preparing refugees for employment. Dr Lesley Sawers, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
· The Professional Bodies' Experience: Refugee Doctors' Programme, Dr Geoffrey Orr, NHS Education for Scotland
· The Bridges Project, The successes and challenges of putting over 60 refugees and asylum seekers in workplace shadowing placements. Kate Davidson, Institute of Contemporary Scotland
· An Employer/Union Experience: Laine O'Rouke & UCATT Jim Gaffney, Laine O'Rouke Harry Frew, Regional Organiser UCATT
14.15 tea/coffee break
14.40 Involving trade unions Stephen Smellie, UNISON South Lanarkshire Branch Secretary A session to explore ways trade unions can support asylum seekers and refugees to access the working environment.
14.50 Group discussion on involving trade unions
15.40 Summary Feedback from groups on the way forward for trade unions. Chair Anne Douglas.
16.00 Thanks and Close
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Section 2 Conference Overview
An interesting, challenging and well attended conference, saw contributions from a range of stakeholders from the Scottish Executive, local authorities, voluntary and private sector, contributing to this unique event arranged jointly by the Scottish Trades Union Congress, The Bridges Project (Institute of Contemporary Scotland) and The New Glaswegians Projects (Glasgow Chambers of Commerce). Participants from a range of affiliates in the public and private sectors attended the event that was chaired by Anne Douglas (Prospect), current Chair of the STUC General Council.
Scottish Executive Perspective Lesley Irving, Head of the Scottish Executive's Race Religion and Refugee Team opened the event outlining the Scottish Executive's positive work on integration of refugees into Scottish communities. In a very open and frank contribution Lesley indicated that the Executive welcomes asylum seekers, is encouraging Glasgow City Council to re-contract with National Asylum Support Services, but is only too aware of the tensions on this reserved issue. She described asylum as a complex and fascinating area, where the Executive is committed to playing a full part to facilitate integration, and recognises the economic, social and cultural benefits of immigration to a self confident and dynamic Scotland.
Introduction to the issues of asylum, together with the history of Glasgow's involvement with Asylum Seekers Jim Laird, of COSLA's Refugee and Asylum Seeker Consortium gave an informative contribution on the history of Glasgow's involvement in asylum seekers. Jim clarified the "legal" definition of asylum seeker and refugee, and spoke on Glasgow's recent history of providing asylum to Kosovans in the early 1990s. Currently 75% of asylum seekers who come to Glasgow make successful claims to remain in the UK, and many who get this positive decision wish to stay in Glasgow, or its surrounding areas. Jim also noted that much of the best practice work on integration of asylum seekers and refugees can
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be found in Glasgow. (Jim Laird's presentation is attached in Section 3).
Accessing the Work Place: The barriers preventing asylum seekers entering the workplace The barriers that prevent asylum seekers and refugees from entering the workplace, were eloquently described by Maggie Lennon of the Institute of Contemporary Scotland. Maggie spoke of the importance of the integration of asylum seekers and refugees through the workplace, and the crucial role trade unions can play in this. She encouraged participants to remember that asylum seekers and refugees may have unique circumstances, but their lack of participation in labour markets is as damaging as that of any other groups, such as single parents, disabled people, etc. She was also very clear that all of the barriers described can be overcome. A range of barriers were outlined including access to the workplace and training, accreditation or prior learning/skills, careers advice, prejudice and racism, and other related problem. (Maggie Lennon's presentation is attached in Section 3).
Exploitation: The abuse of refugee and asylum seeking workers Able Miller, a refugee from Zimbabwe gave a first hand account of his experiences of trying to access the workplace in Scotland. Able is an elected Member of Parliament in Zimbabwe and worked as a Mechanical fitter, but has been a refugee in Scotland for some time. His contribution gave an insight into the practical barriers refugees face in attempting to get work, particularly in terms of verifying skills and qualifications with Scottish employers, and the need to develop appropriate softer skills to seek work and to adapt to a Scottish workplace.
Panel Question Session Anne Douglas chaired the panel session with Lesley, Jim, Maggie and Able all responding to questions posed by delegates. Questions covered: · The fact that asylum seekers cannot access further or higher education courses. Lesley Irvine is to pass these concerns to the Executive's Education & Lifelong Learning Department. · Best practice on integration. · The future of Glasgow's involvement with NASS.
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· An AUT delegate indicated that she was engaged in research on some of the issues discussed, and would be pleased to get further information from participants.
Best Practice in Scotland The afternoon session saw examples of current and developing good practice of assisting asylum seekers and refugees to access the workplace. Delegates broke into two groups to enable more direct discussion and engagement with the speakers.
The Professional Bodies' Experience: Refugee Doctors Programme Geoff Orr of the Refugee Doctors' Programme outlined this initiative which enables refugee doctors or dentists to practice in Scotland. The Programme has developed a comprehensive system of support to enable refugees to gain the high level of English language skills required, and to access a postgraduate attachment. Whilst recognising that the British Medical Association is not affiliated to the STUC, the experience of this profession was enlightening in considering how similar professions could develop similar initiatives. (Geoff Orr's presentation is attached in Section 3).
The New Glaswegians Projects, preparing refugees for employment Dr Lesley Sawers, Chief Executive of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, outlined the New Glaswegians Projects of "Supported Professional Development" to assist professionally qualified refugees into the labour market, and the "New Skills for New Glaswegians" to assist with the integration of semi-skilled and manual refugees into the labour market. Lesley spoke of the forecasts indicating the need for additional people to work in the services and financial sectors, and creative services, and the current vacancies particularly in construction. (Lesley Sawers' presentation is attached in Section 3).
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The Bridges Project, the successes and challenges of putting over 60 refugees and asylum seekers in workplace shadowing placements. Kate Davidson of The Bridges Project explained how the Bridges Project operates working with a range of employers to place asylum seekers, who don't have status to work in the UK, in a work shadowing placement. Kate outlined how work shadowing offers a protective safe environment for asylum seekers to get a taste of a Scottish workplace. It is important to ensure that the asylum seeker is suitably matched to an occupation, and this allows the asylum seeker to keep skills up to date, to have contact with a workplace in Scotland and meet like-minded professionals, and assists with self confidence and esteem. (Kate Davidson's presentation is attached in Section 3).
An Employer / Union Experience: Laing O'Rouke & UCATT Jim Gaffney of Laing O'Rourke gave a lively contribution on the construction company's involvement with The Bridges Project, and in liaison with the union UCATT. Jim indicated how Laing O'Rourke's interest in engaging with asylum seekers was initially a commercial decision, to tap into the excellent skills available, given skills and labour shortages in the sector. He stressed this was not about exploiting cheap labour, indeed was proud to announce the company had very recently secured a work permit for an asylum seeker they were keen to employ on a full time basis. The partnership work with the recognised union UCATT, was outlined by their Scottish Organiser Harry Frew. He spoke of UCATT's negotiations with the company to ensure the highest standards in terms of health and safety and quality were maintained. Harry also noted the shortages of workers in this sector, and how it was crucial that workers were treated appropriately. Anecdotal evidence suggested that unscrupulous employers in this sector were able to exploit asylum seekers and use them as cheap labour on construction sites.
Involving Trade Unions Stephen Smellie, of UNISON's South Lanarkshire Branch led discussions with delegates on the way forward for trade union involvement. Stephen explained that his UNISON Branch became
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active in this area of work when he discovered a refugee who was qualified as a teacher working as a cleaner in Hamilton. Following Stephen's introductory comments delegates broke into groups and were asked to draw up proposals and actions for trade union work. Delegates then reported back to the plenary session. The workshop reports can be found in Section 4.
Conference Chair Anne Douglas drew together the conclusions of the event in a brief summing up session. Anne thanked all of the contributors and delegates for participating in the event. It was indicated that there were a range of action points to take forward from the conference, including issues that arose from the contributions in the morning session, and in developing the current best practice, and strategies that were discussed in the work shop sessions.
The future actions are outlined further in Section 5.
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Section 3
Speaker Presentations
Presentations given by the following speakers are also available on the STUC website:
Jim Laird, Manager, Cosla Refugee and Asylum Seeker Consortium
Maggie Lennon, Institute of Contemporary Scotland
Geoff Orr, Refugee Doctors' Programme
Lesley Sawers, Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
Kate Davidson, The Bridges Project.
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Section 4
Feedback from Groups
The workshops discussed potential actions for trade unions to take to develop their role in integrating asylum seekers and refugees into the working environment. Their proposals were noted down on flip charts. The flip chart suggestions from each group are set out below:
Group 1
· Speak to employer sponsor a placement · Work shadowing and/or employment · Opportunities for support / advice by unions · Education programme on employment / asylum / etc rights · Learning reps literacy and numeracy etc. · Union membership prior to employment · Language specific literature (as is done in NHS)
Group 2
- Thought needs to be given to constantly campaigning to tackle racism and raise awareness amongst our own members.
- The drip, drip of the negative media is increasingly being taken on boards by children. This needs to be countered. One of the best way is to get people to have contact / exposure to refugees which is positive.
- Features in union newsletters, highlighting issues, best practice and stimulate discussion.
- Real opportunities for partnership working
- Feed in TU material to personal social education curriculum in schools
- In terms of advising people about rights need to tie into other networks Chamber of Commerce, Positive Action in Housing, Bridges Project etc.
- TUs need to keep up pressure on asylum policy eg Dungavel, right to work, particularly lobby of Des Browne.
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- TU education could be adapted, pressure employers to adapt their training.
- Help refugees access funds to access work eg via New Glaswegians Project.
- We need to explain to many asylum seekers and refugees what a free trade union is and how we can help and why they should join!
- Trade Union Councils could spearhead interface with refugee communities.
Group 3
· Educational members and shop stewards · Counter political lead scapegoating · Public campaigns by STUC Dungavel, right to work, for all Asylum seekers · Trade unionists negotiate with employers re: shadowing.
Group 4
Raising awareness · Briefings, training, articles and journals and on websites · show new "Show Racism the Red Card" video and education pack "asylum: exploding the myth". www.srtrc.org.uk
Targeting employers · Forcing public sectors to enforce their RRA policies · Work with Government to extend those policies to the private sector. · Educating HR managers
Unions inviting asylum seekers and refugees to shadow
Starting buddying schemes in partnership with employers (make it personal) train those who are being shadowed.
Get positive media
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Constantly campaign to the Scottish Executive eg regarding Dungavel
Educating line managers and heads of service especially on implementation of policy. making sure that training is an important part of policy development, so that as much is possible on the shop floor as it is on paper.
Giving guidance to HR departments on who they can employ legally make the business case for overseas employees
Offer assistance in: · Employment rights · Support in workplace · Training and education including lobbying trade bodies to change rules in order to improve access to the professions · Challenge NARIC · Create forum whereby refugees can approach / liaise with unions · Set up meetings with refugee groups to let them know their employment rights similar to unemployed workers centres model.
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Section 5 The Way Forward
A range of future actions were proposed by this Conference:
· Present a report of the Conference to the STUC's General Council, and distribute the report to all participants and relevant stakeholders. The report would include an overview of the conference, together with presentations and the strategies developed by workshops as set out on the flip chart reports.
· Liaise with the Home Office on the points raised throughout the conference on allowing asylum seekers to work and access training and education.
· Make representations to the Scottish Executive Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Department on allowing asylum seekers to access Further and Higher Education.
· Ensure the trade union perspective is effectively represented on the Glasgow Refugee Education, Training and Employment Group. The General Council at its June 2004 meeting agreed to participate in this group which consists of stakeholders who are involved in supporting refugees and asylum seekers to access training and/or employment in Glasgow. The group was set up cooperatively by representatives from the Institute of Contemporary Scotland, Careers Scotland, the Scottish Refugee Council, Jobcentre Plus, Glasgow North, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Anniesland College and Scottish Enterprise Glasgow.
· Ensure the views and conclusions expressed at the conference are fed into other appropriate bodies, such as the Home Office's Illegal Working Steering Group, the COSLA Asylum and Refugee Consortium, and the Scottish Executive.
· Take forward actions suggested by the workshops within individual trade unions, with support and liaison with the STUC, as appropriate.
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