Keith Vaz says free movement of workers and free trade in Europe should be the bedrock of our economic recovery
IN THIS time of economic upheaval, the free movement of labour and trade benefits we enjoy as a result of our close ties with Europe are essential if we are to recover effectively. After all, this is a global crisis, not one made in Britain. It is inevitable that people will look to apportion blame when there are economic difficulties, but looking at European Union legislation and the liberalised movement of workers as an explanation for the present problems is simply not on.
The free movement of labour between EU countries has been beneficial to Britain. These benefits are both from the positive impact migrant workers have had on this country and the freedom it has provided British workers to gain employment in other EU nations.
The economic impact migrants have had on the United Kingdom has been at
the heart of the recent controversy about foreign workers. When the evidence is properly considered, the benefits are overwhelming.
Spending from skilled migrants supported an estimated £8.4 billion of this country’s gross value added in 2007. Research from the Institute for Public Policy Research shows that trade between Britain and Poland increased fourfold between 2004 and 2008, in no small part due to the increased movement of labour and liberalisation of trade resulting from Poland’s membership of the EU.
Indeed, the presence of migrant workers has, in many instances, helped safeguard jobs in Britain. Without migrant workers, some industries would have simply moved jobs overseas. The supply of non-British born labour has meant that these industries have stayed in here and can continue to contribute to the British economy.
If we introduce protectionist measures in the labour markets, irrespective of the motives behind such a move, there would be negative consequences throughout the economy. Economic growth, already a problem, would be further hit.
It is not feasible to pick and choose where we want to allow foreign workers to take jobs. Safeguarding jobs of British-born workers in one sector will threaten jobs – of both British and migrant workers – in another. Further, we cannot expect other countries to treat British employees working overseas any differently.
Recent research shows there are estimated to be between 1 million and 1.5 million British people taking advantage of the open labour markets working in other EU countries. It is not fair to act to ensure work goes to British-born workers in this country at the expense of British-born workers in other European countries.
How sad it has been in recent weeks to see the flags of great trade unions flying over wildcat strikes called to protest against the use of EU workers. Even worse has been the enthusiasm of the far right in encouraging xenophobia against foreign employees.
It is important to remember that the British trade union movement has fought against racism and xenophobia for generations. Unions led the campaign against apartheid in South Africa and have constantly battled against anti-Semitism. They have also preached the gospel of fair and just laws. The equality agenda in Britain would never have progressed but for the full support of enlightened union leaders who for generations have railed against discrimination. These precious values should never be compromised for short-term popularity. Every British trade union now boasts an enthusiastic and dynamic membership from the black, Asian and minority ethnic population in this country.
Our multi-ethnic society and our multicultural workforce are the envy of the world. Even in these difficult economic times, we must ensure this remains the case.
Keith Vaz is chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee and Labour MP for Leicester East
