Migration for work is not new but it is increasing. Foreign nationals made up 3.5 per cent of the workforce in 1996, but 6 per cent in 2006. The accession of ten new states to the European Union in 2004 greatly increased both the scale and pace of change. The size and speed of change was not predicted, and so local authorities and their partners were not all well prepared.
The Commission report Crossing Borders looks at the impact that the increase in migration for work has had in different parts of England. This varies greatly, depending on previous history and on patterns of available employment, housing and transport. Rapid local change can bring challenges for services and for community relations. The report recommends that local authorities as community leaders should take a major role in coordinating local responses to change. It outlines a framework for improvements.
It is particularly important for authorities and their public service partners to work alongside those who often have the best links to migrant workers: employers, employment agencies, landlords and voluntary and faith organisations.
The Commission is working with the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) to help local agencies to share ideas and good practice.
