Meeting held on migrant workers

Migrant workers contribute millions to the region's economy

A meeting is being held to help migrant workers in the East of England amid claims they are exploited by employers.

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and the TUC were due to discuss employment, health and housing issues in London on Tuesday.

The TUC has said some employers take advantage of workers' lack of English and ignorance of employment law to pay them less than the minimum wage.

Other workers have trouble getting their qualifications recognised.

Rural Affairs Minister Barry Gardiner said migrant workers made a major contribution to local communities.

'Modern solutions'

"At crucial points over the past century and beyond we have relied on visitors and migrants to supply essential capital to our economy and plug labour gaps when no others could be found," he said.

Richard Ellis, chair of EEDA, said the meeting aimed to help migrant workers fulfil their potential.

"Last year migrant workers in the East of England contributed over £360m to the region's economy," he said.

"This is a massive contribution but one which was hindered by the significant barriers which prevent those who have come to the UK from reaching their potential."