By Charlene Wilson

MOST MIGRANT workers living in Fife plan to stay there indefinitely, a study by the local authority has revealed.

The Migrant Workers Survey—the most comprehensive of its kind—was commissioned by the Fife Partnership to help providers of services to gain a better understanding of workers’ needs and aspirations.

Last year a team from the Fife Polish Association spoke to 904 migrant workers from the eight countries that joined the European Union in 2004—Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Individuals were asked about their education, training and qualifications and their working and living arrangements in Fife.

Their views were also sought on their reasons for coming to Scotland, access to services and their experiences of living and working here.

The study found the majority of migrant workers in the area are single men from Poland aged 25-34 and they tend to work for less than three months at a time, mainly in factories or in the construction industry.

It also came to light that one in four have not registered to work in the UK and most jobs they undertake pay around the minimum wage level.

Most live in large towns such as Kirkcaldy or Glenrothes, pay around £200 per month in rent and tend to rent from a private landlord, although nearly half admitted they do not have a written tenancy agreement.

The majority interviewed were found to have only basic English language skills but said they were not prepared to take English lessons due to work commitments.

Almost half were found to have a degree or undergraduate qualification but very few were making any use of their skills in their jobs as their qualifications were not recognised by most employers.

It was also found that although migrant workers integrate well into the workplace and get on with co-workers they are not as readily accepted by the local community, sometimes experiencing verbal and physical abuse.

Most said they were planning to stay in Fife “indefinitely” and gave higher wages as the main reason for coming to live and work here.

Welcoming the survey, Fife Council leader Peter Grant said, “The diversity of people living and working in Fife brings many benefits including new skills and knowledge to a range of workplaces, balancing population trends and adding to the cultural diversity of Scotland.

“This survey gives us a much clearer picture of who is living and working in Fife and the issues they face.

“As an administration our priorities include targeting resources to those most in need, providing access to affordable housing for everyone and encouraging the economic development of Fife.

“Migrant workers should be treated with equality and I am pleased to see that most of them felt that they had integrated well.

“Eastern European citizens coming to live and work in Fife make their contribution to the community and economy, through paying taxes and spending. As a result they are entitled to help and support from Fife’s public service providers.

“Any of the council’s local service centres can provide information and support on things such as housing, employment, health services, education, money advice, etc.

“They can also arrange for interpret- ing services.”

For more on the survey log on to www.fifedirect.org.uk/migrantsurvey