Those old stereotypes...

Sitting in his local village pub in North Yorkshire, Biff decides to convey his latest thoughts on life to his nearest barfly, “What about those bloody migrants?” he says, “Coming here and taking our jobs. How are people like me supposed to find work?” His drinking buddy looks perplexed, “You haven’t worked for fifteen years Biff…”

Ok, so this is a familiar joke (but a genuine anecdote) and we have all heard remarks such as these over the years. Nonetheless, the prevalence of preconceptions, myths and stereotypes are integral to the discourse surrounding changing demographics and inward migration in Britain. 

Our recent work in the North East of England has thrown up some interesting questions regarding our own preconceptions about the experience of migrant workers. Some of what I had expected to observe proved to be true. There is overcrowding, especially upon first arrival. There are dodgy employers and agents, and not all local people have been welcoming. Fortunately and as always, our preconceptions were not reflected in the whole truth.

We spoke to one high street employment agency that is working hard to provide their migrant workforce with the skills and information they need to progress into more gainful employment, as well as access important local services. By the agency’s own admission, this is not philanthropy –  it is good business sense. For the agency, a skilled, happier and reliable workforce equates to a better reputation and standard of service for their clients – large local employers.

Also, it was not unexpected to hear that migrants do not have much interaction with members of existing communities. What was surprising is that when there is interaction and friendship, it is usually with older local residents. The migrants we spoke to – who were all reasonably young – are largely wary of local young people.  Instead, they think that older residents who they come across are wiser, more experienced and much friendlier.

I guess it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that young people, when compared to their elders, are much more tolerant of Britain’s diversity.