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Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, today condemned the exploitation of migrant workers and the growth of human trafficking in our society.

Speaking during a debate in the Assembly, the Minister, whose Department leads on migrant worker issues, said: “I utterly condemn any exploitation of migrant workers and also the vile trade of human trafficking.

“Migrant workers play an important part in shaping our local communities and in contributing to a more robust Northern Ireland economy, helping to overcome labour shortages. It is in all our interests to ensure that these workers are not exploited.

“Migrant workers, who are working here legally, have the same employment rights as all other workers. Many but not all migrant workers use the services of, or are employed by employment agencies. In the next couple of months I will bring forward a package of legislative measures before the Assembly to increase protections for all vulnerable agency workers.”

Issues relating to migrant workers are wide ranging and are not contained within the competence of a single department. For example, matters relating to immigration, work permits and the national minimum wage are not devolved matters while others such as employment rights, health and safety and educational issues are the responsibility of Northern Ireland departments.

source: DEL Press Release

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