Working Lives Research Institute
ACAS have published the latest paper in their future of workplace relations policy discussion series. The future implications of migrant labour for employment relations, is written by Professor Sonia McKay of the Working Lives Research Institute. Comments can be sent to the editors at policypublications@acas.org.uk
A number of factors have come into play that make it more likely that migrant workers will be present in UK workplaces in the years to come, including a likely growth in agency employment, the ageing of the UK labour force and a skills disparity. Acas commissioned Professor Sonia McKay, from the Working Lives Research Institute, to explore the implications for employment relations of the future participation of migrant workers in Britain’s workplaces. The paper examines the definitions and demographic profile of migrant labour. It then goes on to explore aspects of the changing nature of the employment relationship in which many migrant workers find themselves including the increase in subcontracting, agency working and posted work.
The author then goes on to look at the specific challenges for employers and argues that they will need to look creatively at employee communication and recruitment methods, and will be required to get involved in matters that are generally seen as being external to workplace relations, such as providing welfare support. Without such engagement, says Mckay, the negative consequence for employment relationships could be workforces further divided on national or ethnic grounds. This could lead to the prospect of increasing conflict among workers, and particularly those who find themselves excluded.