Fears over migrant jobs

Over three quarters of British adults believe that jobless migrants should face deportation according to a recent Financial Times-Harris poll.

Many of those questioned did not approve of other European citizens having the right to work in the UK.

The London School of Economics’ most recent figures suggest that there are around 725,000 illegal migrants in the UK - a 300,000 rise on figures from 2001.

It seems that with recession in the air and competition for jobs on the rise public opinion is souring on the idea of economic immigration, legal or otherwise.

Conservative plans for a thousands-strong ‘Border Police Force’ have been popular proposals - surviving even Howard-era origins.

Meanwhile, Mayor of London Boris Johnson has called for a “morally right” amnesty but the suggestion has been met with mixed reactions.

‘No surprise’

Immigration and borders chief Phil Woolas called that idea “a well intended road to hell”. He isn’t alone. Groups like Migrant Watch UK have also challenged an amnesty.

When asked about the FT poll, the group’s chairman Sir Andrew Green told WNOL: “This is certainly no surprise. As unemployment climbs towards three million there will be a growing concern about migrant workers.

“I think the British are fair-minded, but immigration is out of control.”

Those at the heart of this numbers debate have – out of necessity - been some of the least vocal.

For those like Alice* the threat of workplace immigration raids, like double-decker buses, are just another part of London life.

She arrived in the UK from Atlanta to visit friends two years ago on a six-month holiday visa and has been here since.

While working in hospitality she has contributed around quarter of her earnings in “emergency tax” because of her lack of a national insurance number.

“Well I shouldn’t be here, that’s true, but the country is still benefiting from me and it feels unfair,” she said.

Due to her circumstances she doesn’t believe she will ever receive a rebate.

“I’ve saved some – but it still hurts – good thing I’m planning to go home soon anyway. I’m tired of doing this day to day,” she added.

Assumed identity

Others like Michel* intend to become full citizens. Having lived for a time in Paris under an assumed identity Algeria-born Michel made his way to the UK in 1999 using a forged passport.

He had to leave his catering job last year when his employers questioned his right to work in the UK.

Despite having a bank account, mobile phone contract and all the other fixtures of a normal life, Michel has never felt secure.

Though he is now applying for a marriage visa he believes an amnesty would have made his life a lot easier.

“Always moving, it takes a lot of work to come like this: the long way. I’ve been here for almost 10 years now. I’ve always worked. If I wasn’t needed there wouldn’t have been work… I would have had to go,” he said.

Business owners found employing an illegal immigrant are liable for a fine of up to £10,000.

In many cases the benefits of paying low wages and avoiding taxation costs means that the risks are worth the gains for unscrupulous employers.

As a harsh economic climate feeds a backlash against migrant workers it also makes the multi-billion pound tax injection an amnesty represents more appealing to the government.

The move may yet become one more unpopular – yet necessary – piggy bank to smash open.

*Name have been changed to protect the individuals’ identites.