Raise awareness of migrant workers' vulnerability and support them in the community

Migrant workers have increasingly filled agency, seasonal and temporary jobs in Britain and Ireland. But they are vulnerable and may be subject to very low pay, over-long hours, poor health and safety conditions, and discrimination. Companies and investors have a responsibility to reduce the incidence of vulnerable work throughout the supply chain, and churches can provide a welcome and support for migrant workers in the community.

ECCR is encouraging companies, investors, churches and others to help address migrant workers' vulnerability.

Companies should:

• recognise the potential vulnerability of migrant, temporary and agency workers;
• mainstream responsibility for labour conditions in their business practice;
• implement effective codes of conduct for suppliers;
• increase awareness of rights among all workers;
• strengthen monitoring and audits.

• consider migrant workers' potential vulnerability when making investment decisions;
• engage with companies on their policies and practices towards migrant workers.

Churches and their members can:

• know the facts and help others to do so;
• help make the church a welcoming community;
• engage with companies employing migrant workers, including food retailers;
• offer workplace mission teams to employers;
• develop local outreach projects to meet migrant workers' needs;
• take action as an investor.

What you can do:

• Read the executive summary (pdf) of ECCR's 2009 report, Vulnerable Migrant Workers: The Responsibility of Business.
• Download a PDF copy of the full report or order a printed copy.
• Use our Investors Action Guide (pdf) to raise concerns with companies and fund managers.
• Use our Church Action Guide (pdf) to support migrant workers in the community.
• Please send Suzanne Ismail a copy of your letters/emails and any replies you receive.