Barnsley has a population of around 218,000 people and an ethnic minority population of less than 1 per cent (2001 census). There have been recent changes with an influx of around 700 migrant workers who registered on the Workers Registration Scheme (WRS) since May 2004. The main sectors of employment are the service, manufacturing and construction industries.
As part of an Investing in a Multi-Cultural Barnsley (IMCB) project, Barnsley Council wanted to create a welcome information pack for all new arrivals, educate their own staff about migrant workers’ rights and cultures and build a strategy for the borough on how to manage multi-cultural issues.
The Council recognised the advantages which this migration can bring economically, socially and culturally. They were also keen to manage the demands on the time and resources of front line staff and address any issues arising due to ignorance of local procedures, language difficulties and cultural differences.
Academics from Leeds University advised the project which was funded through the Invest to Save Budget (ISB). Existing data sources and local research about new arrivals was used to understand more about the backgrounds, intentions and concerns of migrant workers in Barnsley.
Using a freedom of information request, the Council obtained WRS data at postcode level for the address of migrant worker employers in the area. Surveys were then conducted with migrant worker employers, to find out the nationalities and numbers of migrants at each site.
The Council compiled a database of 2,000 migrant workers, labelling both nationality and ethnicity when possible. New foreign national insurance number registration data for the area was obtained for additional information about the migrant population.
The plan is to map the WRS data and known locations of refugees and asylum seekers using a Geographical Information System (GIS) programme. This will enable the Council to target information for certain groups more effectively. The information will also be used to inform the Council’s housing strategy.
The surveys enabled the Council to establish links with a local employment agency with 3,000 migrant workers registered on its books. They now share information about numbers and languages of employees. The Council held a workshop to discuss concerns raised by migrant workers. The workshop was advertised through employers and employment agencies and 40 people attended.
Investigating migrant worker needs and concerns
To obtain more detailed information, the Council distributed questionnaires to workers through employment agencies and employers. These were translated into the first languages of the migrants, determined through the previous employer surveys. Questions were asked around:
- age, gender, nationality
- length of residency in England and Barnsley, and intended stay Accommodation
- contact with local authorities, voluntary agencies, employment services and GP surgeries
- education in previous country of residence and Barnsley
- occupation, contracts and pay
- any general concerns
Questionnaires were accompanied by pre-paid envelopes addressed to Leeds University Business School who conducted the analysis of the information. This was to encourage a higher response rate as it was thought that migrants may be more likely to reply to an organisation that was not a local authority.
A website for new arrivals to Barnsley
Information gathered by the Council has been used to design a website for all new arrivals. It is multi-lingual, has useful links to sources of help and advice and is also used by council staff. People can contact the Council, provide feedback and download a handbook for new arrivals.
The handbook provides information about Barnsley, local services and everyday activities such as how to open a bank account. There have been 1,500 copies of the handbook distributed through agencies and council departments and it is also available on the website. A second print run is planned.