By Liz Fowler

A BRECHIN business has notched up a first by launching a recruitment campaign in Polish, in recognition that the burgh is one of the most popular destinations for migrant workers from eastern Europe.

The advert, which includes an English translation, is seeking shift workers for cleaning and forklift duties at the meat rendering plant operated by Sacone Environmental.

Managing director Alan Jess said yesterday, “It’s the first time we have advertised in a foreign language. But it was prompted because we’ve had a number of people from Poland recently walk in to the factory to ask about the prospect of work here.

“We placed the ad in their language because we recognise not all the people who have come here have the best command of English.

“We are well aware we have a growing population here in Angus of eastern Europeans and thought it was time to broaden our horizons when recruiting.

“We’ve had a number of good employees in the past from eastern European countries.”

In the national league table of new workers from the eight EU accession countries of eastern Europe over the last two years, Angus Council has seen around 150 national insurance number registrations per 10,000 working-age population.

According to a recent report by economic and employment consultants SLIMS, the actual number arriving in Angus from 2004-06 was 1000. The total number of migrant workers in the county is now estimated at 4000.

A welcome pack has been produced by Angus Council and its community planning partners in English, Polish, Russian, Czech and Bulgarian in recognition of the continuing influx and aiming to make the move for these new residents smoother.

From finding a doctor to taxing a car, the pack offers workers a wealth of information and contact details on a range of issues and services.

It is being distributed through Angus College and through libraries, health centres, police stations and churches.

While migrant workers tend to be employed in elementary occupations, nearly 60% have university qualifications and a further 16% possess a trade or professional qualification.