Migrant workers have boosted the UK economy, with their influx not having a negative effect on employment or wage levels, the TUC has argued.
Migrant workers have boosted the UK economy, with their influx not having a negative effect on employment or wage levels, the TUC has argued.
Foreign workers made a positive net economic contribution, it said, with their share of tax paid exceeding the cost of supplying public services.
Foreign workers made a positive net economic contribution, it said, with their share of tax paid exceeding the cost of supplying public services.
But the TUC warned that workers were vulnerable to "unscrupulous" employers not adhering to employment rights.
But the TUC warned that workers were vulnerable to "unscrupulous" employers not adhering to employment rights.
Ensuring firms paid the minimum wage had to be a priority, it added.
Ensuring firms paid the minimum wage had to be a priority, it added.
'Substantial contribution'
'Substantial contribution'
The UK has seen an influx of migrant workers from eastern Europe since 2004 when a host of new countries joined the European Union.
The UK has seen an influx of migrant workers from eastern Europe since 2004 when a host of new countries joined the European Union.
This has fuelled concerns that workers willing to take low-paid jobs in sectors such as construction, farming and domestic service would depress wages and force other low-skilled workers out of jobs.
This has fuelled concerns that workers willing to take low-paid jobs in sectors such as construction, farming and domestic service would depress wages and force other low-skilled workers out of jobs.
We do not do enough to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation Brendan Barber, TUC
We do not do enough to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation Brendan Barber, TUC
Publishing a new report, the TUC said these fears had not been vindicated, partly due to the strength of the economy in recent years.
Publishing a new report, the TUC said these fears had not been vindicated, partly due to the strength of the economy in recent years.
"Migrant workers are making a substantial contribution to Britain's economy," said Brendan Barber, the TUC's general secretary.
"Migrant workers are making a substantial contribution to Britain's economy," said Brendan Barber, the TUC's general secretary.
"They haven't caused mass unemployment or held down wages as some would have us believe."
"They haven't caused mass unemployment or held down wages as some would have us believe."
'Exploitation'
'Exploitation'
But the TUC said that workers with little or no English and no knowledge of their employment rights needed greater protection from exploitation.
But the TUC said that workers with little or no English and no knowledge of their employment rights needed greater protection from exploitation.
"We do not do enough to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation," Mr Barber added.
"We do not do enough to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation," Mr Barber added.
"If migrant workers are treated fairly and paid a decent wage they can only add to the economy."
"If migrant workers are treated fairly and paid a decent wage they can only add to the economy."
Recent statistics suggest migrant numbers from eastern Europe are well down so far this year, due in part to increased job opportunities and wages at home.
Recent statistics suggest migrant numbers from eastern Europe are well down so far this year, due in part to increased job opportunities and wages at home.
This has led to concerns about the impact on industries such as fruit farming which are dependant on seasonal foreign labour.
This has led to concerns about the impact on industries such as fruit farming which are dependant on seasonal foreign labour.
Farmers have complained about the effect of caps on foreign workers introduced to encourage employers to recruit more locally.
Farmers have complained about the effect of caps on foreign workers introduced to encourage employers to recruit more locally.
Do you think migrant workers make a positive contribution to the British economy? Do you disagree with the TUC? Are you a migrant worker? Do you have any concerns about your employment rights?
If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below:
