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No bread!
Economic Downturn could bring the Polish Community in Northern Ireland on the brink of poverty.
Background and Launch
In the context of its Annual General Meeting, NICEM is launching today[1] the research report 'Za Chlebem' (translate as ‘Earning a crust), which provides a unique insight into the Polish Community in Northern Ireland in times of recession. Questionnaire-based and in collaboration with the Polish Association, the report gathers replies from 412 respondents covering 65 postcode areas, making our findings reflective and relevant.
Special guest speakers will introduce the overall event. Jerome Mullen, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland for Northern Ireland and Patricia McKeown from UNISON/ICTU will address the findings of the report later during its launch.
Findings
Our research shows that unemployment for our respondents is almost three times higher than the 6.7% unemployment rate for Northern Ireland in the period April – June 2009. The unemployed are struggling to find work, the employed are struggling to not lose their job. It’s a catch 22 situation.
Considering half of the respondents have dependents, this fear of poverty within the Polish community intensifies as the economic downturn deepens.
To make things worse, 108 of our respondents have stated that they had been victimised because of their country of origin, colour or religion. Some expressed fears of racism and an anxiety that the economic downturn will lead to an increase in racial harassment and attacks.
Conclusions
As our respondents work across a large number of sectors in Northern Ireland, demonstrating the essential positive contribution Polish workers are making to the local economy, the unequal treatment some are victims of needs to be addressed without delay by the government.
The respondents’ main reason for moving to Northern Ireland was work. They are vulnerable to job loss and lack of access to the public funds that they are entitled to as European citizens.
Chris McAfee, Research Officer at NICEM and co-author of the report stated: “We have found our respondents contribute to all sectors of economic activity in Northern Ireland and are especially vulnerable to effects of the economic downturn. To reduce the high risk of poverty it is vital Polish families receive the help they are entitled to. Immediate and robust measures would protect vulnerable minorities and enable them to further contribute our economic recovery”.
Northern Irish migrants to other EU countries would be protected by EU employment and anti-discrimination laws. Why would we not treat the Polish community as we would rightfully expect to be treated?
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[1] The AGM and the launch of the report are taking place at the Wellington Park Hotel in Belfast on Thursday 5 November. We invite reporters interested in covering the story to attend the event from 12.30 to 1.30pm. The authors of the report will be available for comments.
Notes:
1 - Za Chlebem’ literally means ‘for bread’ or in a broader sense ‘earning a crust’
2 - The report will be launched at the NICEM AGM on 5th November 2009 at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast. We invite reporters interested in covering the story to attend the event from 12.30 to 1.30pm. The authors of the report will be available for comments.
3 - A PDF copy of the report will be available on our website from 5 November at 4pm (www.nicem.org.uk)
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