It is important to recognise that this initial piece of research was intended to represent a ‘baseline’ study in the sense that it provides rudimentary evidence across a range of issues rather than a more in-depth assessment of particular issues. As such, in many respects, the study raises a number of unanswered questions which require further investigation. We believe that to provide a more complete picture of the issues affecting migrant workers in Bolton and the service providers catering for this client group, the following research questions need to be addressed in the near future:
• What is the impact of the settlement of migrant workers in predominantly BME areas of the town in relation to community
integration and cohesion and what are the potential factors or ‘triggers’ which could lead to a deterioration of community relations and
community transformation? A case study approach based on a
specific geographical area would be the most appropriate way forward engaging with migrant workers and host communities;
• What are the support needs of migrant workers’ families in terms of access to services and especially in relation to those with children?
• How are current service providers responding to the needs of migrant workers in terms of promoting their services, ensuring accessibility and their understanding the needs of this community group?
• How do migrant workers find out about their housing options in Bolton and to what extent does this determine their tenure aspirations?
• How dependent are local employers on migrant worker labour, what incentives do they or could they offer to retain such staff and what would be the impact in a reduction of migrant labour if people return to their home countries?
• How is the private rented sector responding to the demand from
migrant workers? Have new landlords come into this sector, what type of properties are available and what is the potential impact of a fall in the number of migrant workers seeking private rented accommodation? Also, what is the impact on other community groups who traditionally relied on the private rented sector of this increase in demand from migrant workers? and
• What is the current impact of existing projects which have been developed in Bolton to support migrant workers?
Finally, this study represents only a snap shot of the current issues facing migrant workers in Bolton. Given the fluid and diverse nature of this group, there is a need carry out such research at regular intervals in order to ensure that the local authority and its partners have an accurate and up-to-date understanding of the migrant worker communities living in Bolton.
Appendix 1:
Bolton Migrant Workers Study
Questionnaire
Introduction
My name is ……… and I am undertaking interviews for Salford University with migrant workers living or working in Bolton. The Council and its partners are hoping to gain a greater understanding of the work and housing experiences of this group in the community and the type of help or assistance they need. The interview should last about 25 minutes and
anything you tell me will remain confidential. Your name or contact details will not be passed on to anyone else.
Can you tell me your address? Address:
Postcode: Within Bolton Outside Bolton
Record: Date of interview: Place of interview: Name of interviewer: Language of interview:
Section A:
Migration History
Q1 When did you first arrive in the UK:
m m / y y y y
Q2 Before coming to the UK and apart from your home country, have you lived in any other countries in the European Union?
Yes (Go to Q3)
No (Go to Q4)
Q3 Which countries (list 3 starting with most recent) 1.
2. 3.
Q4 Before coming to the UK did you have family/relatives living in Bolton or other parts of the UK?
No
Yes – Bolton
Yes – elsewhere in UK – please describe below
Q5 Why did you decide to come to Bolton? Tick one only I knew someone from my home country already living in Bolton Had heard about the town/area from other people
Had heard that there were job opportunities in Bolton Other – please explain below:
Q6 How would you rate your English language skills when you first came to the UK
Excellent Quite good Not so good Not good at all
Could not speak/read English Q7 Are you: Tick one only
Currently studying an English language course Would like to study on an English language course
Don’t know where to go to study on an English language course Don’t need to study an English language course
Section B:
Employment
I would now like to ask you some questions about your qualifications, skills and current type of work.
Q8 What is your highest level of qualification? (Record equivalent English qualification)
Q9 Do you have a particular trade or skill?
Yes (Go to Q10)
No (Go to Q12)
Q11 How many years have you spent in this trade/using these skills?
Q12 What was the last job you had in your home country just before coming to the UK?
Q13 Are you currently in paid work?
Yes (Go to Q15)
No (Go to Q14)
Q14 How long have you been without a job? Tick one only
Less than 1 month (Go to Q15)
1 month or more but less than 3 months (Go to Q15)
3 months or more but less than 6 months (Go to Q15)
6 months or more but less than 12 months (Go to Q15)
12 months or more but less than 2 years (Go to Q15)
2 years or more (Go to Q15)
Never worked in this country (Go to Q23)
Don’t know (Go to Q15)
Q15 Since arriving in the UK what type of work have you been doing? Please start with your current or most recent job and list the last five jobs you have had.
Current: Previous: 1: 2: 3: 4:
Q16 In terms of your first job you did in the UK, were you recruited in your home country for this job?
Yes (Go to Q17)
No (Go to Q18)
Q17 Who recruited you?
Q19 In terms of your current job, is this temporary or permanent? Temporary
Permanent
Not currently working Don’t know
Q20 Are you registered for on the Worker Registration Scheme and for payment of National Insurance Contributions?
WRS registered NIC registered Neither
Q21 Are you paid ‘cash in hand’ for your work? Yes
No
Q22 How much are you currently paid per week for your job? £
Q23 What type of employment would you like?
Q24 What help do you think you need to get your ideal job ?
Q25 Now or in the future would you be interested in being self-employed/ setting up your own business?
Yes (Go to Q26)
No (Go to Q27)
Don’t know (Go to Q27)
Q26 What help or assistance do you think you need to become self employed/ set up your own business