Minister’s concern for migrant workers over Christmas and New Year

Minister Michelle Gildernew

ASSEMBLY Agriculture & Fisheries Minister Michelle Gildernew MP has expressed her concern about the welfare of migrant workers in the agri-food sector at Christmas and the New Year.

Speaking today she said:

Migrant workers play an important part in the production and processing of the food we will be eating over the Christmas season.

Many of them will have been able to return to their own country to celebrate Christmas with friends and family. However, some will have had to remain here

I know that many responsible employers, as well as trade and voluntary organisations, go that extra mile to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of their workers. I congratulate these individuals and organisations for the actions which they are taking.

But there remains a minority of cases in which migrant workers face difficult conditions and harsh treatment. This is unacceptable at any time but especially at Christmas and in the current severe weather conditions.

I remind all concerned of the need to protect the rights and dignity of their workers, irrespective of nationality or origin. Where legal requirements are not being met I call on the relevant statutory authorities to take the action necessary to ensure that all migrant workers are not exploited in any way.

In conclusion, Michelle Gildernew added:

I wish all migrant workers who are resident here a very happy and peaceful Christmas season.

Mayor of Dungannon Francie Molloy (Sinn Féin) launches a Migrant Workers' Support Project booklet with Roisín Donaghy of STEP, the South Tyrone Empowerment Programme