Migrant Workers have become an increasingly visible social group in Northern Ireland over the past few years. This has presented local communities with many challenges as well as opportunities. One section of the community, namely employers, were reminded of the role they have to play at a very well attended event run by the Derry Chamber of Commerce this week. Janice Tracey, CEO, said:

"We need to explore the different dimension of an ever changing workforce and how collectively the local business community can prepare for the changes ahead."

The event was organised in association with the EURES Partnership which looks at the barriers to the movement of labour across Europe's borders.

Chamber's new President, Ann Marie Slavin, commented

"As a region, we need to plan ahead for diversity, to create the right conditions for an intercultural workplace, and embrace the changes in a positive way".

She went on to underline the importance and the need within the economy for migrant workers to fill not only the low skilled less desirable jobs but also in many cases highly skilled positions.

Ann Marie emphasised:

"These are jobs that cannot be filled by the local labour market and therefore we must appreciate the value that migrant workers can bring to our economy".

The keynote speaker, Philip Watt, Director of NCCRI (National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism), drew on his vast experience within the Republic of Ireland. He commented:

"Non national workers currently represent approximately 8.5% of total persons employed in the Irish workforce and by 2030, it is estimated that 1/5 of the projected population of £5 million will have been born outside of Ireland."

As is always the case, the most popular presentation was from the voice of experience. The Foyle Food Group, who employ 770 people, were represented by Director, Nigel McIllwaine. Nigel gave a "what all this means in reality" case study. He outlined the pros and cons of having 42% of a workforce made up of non-nationals. Nigel clearly described the logistics and costs involved in employing foreign workers in terms of providing interpreters, assistance with accommodation, setting up bank accounts, language classes etc. However Nigel was very clear that the benefits certainly outweighed the difficulties. He said:

"Foyle Food Group now has the skilled workforce it requires to run its business. We have increased productivity, staff turnover has reduced by 50% and absenteeism was also significantly reduced."

Nigel emphasised that workers were employed under the same terms and conditions as the local indigenous workforce and commented that the cross cultural mix added a very positive dimension.

In conclusion Janice Tracey commented:

We talk a lot about what employers need, how they can get the workforce to suit their needs and where that might come from. In establishing our new Workforce Development Forum this is an added dimension that we will definitely have to take into consideration. Lessons can be learned from our neighbours and I am sure we will be calling on their experience time and time again in the near future."