Employing Migrant Workers
Tuesday 1st April 4.30pm – 8.00pm
More than 100 representatives from local companies and organisations attended Swindon’s first conference on employing migrant workers. Organisers were delighted by the level of interest in the conference, which took place on Tuesday, 1 April, at the Oakfield campus, University of Bath in Swindon. Delegates learnt more about the new Government rules on immigration, the sources of advice available and the importance of helping migrant workers to remain safe and well in their new jobs. Adam Silarski from the Polish Community also gave delegates a poignant insight into how a recent migrant worker had found his new life in Swindon. The conference is just the beginning of a range of activities designed to assist local employers in helping their migrant workers settle into their jobs and the local community.
The evening saw the launch of a new Welcome to Swindon leaflet for new migrant workers which employers can obtain free of charge from Swindon Borough Council. Additionally, delegates at the conference were the first to hear about a new virtual network for employers of migrant workers. This is open, free of charge, to any company or organisation that has, or may in future have, migrant workers on the payroll. Members of the virtual network will get access to information and updates over a specially designed area on the Borough Councils website, as well as invites to future events like the recent conference. Chris Sivers, Director of Community at Swindon Borough Council said: We are delighted that the conference was a success for local employers. It was great to hear from such a diverse range of speakers on issues relating to employing migrant workers. This is the first step on our journey to working with employers, partners and local communities to develop safer and stronger communities in Swindon. The Employing Migrant Workers conference was organised by Swindon Borough Council and the Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership with funding from the Government Office for the South West.
Anyone who would like a copy of the Welcome to Swindon leaflet for migrant workers can call Swindon Borough Council’s Community Directorate on 01793 466468.
For further information contact Paula Harrison, Community Support Manager on 01793 466418