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Photograph: Murdo MacLeod David Cameron made a fresh effort to assuage public concern about a wave of migration from Bulgaria and Romania on Tuesday when he announced a series of benefit restrictions on all EU migrant workers, including a ban on access to housing benefit for all new arrivals and a three-month ban before jobseeker's allowance can be claimed. Saying he shared the deep concerns of many in Britain at the EU's requirement to lift transitional controls on Romanians and Bulgarians in January, he blamed "monumental" mishandling of the issue by the previous Labour government. The package of restrictions announced late Tuesday was backed by the Tories' coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats, as sensible and reasonable. The lifting in January of transitional controls on Bulgarians and Romanians entering the UK has prompted anxiety about the numbers likely to come and opinion polls showing that most Britons want migrants from the two countries barred from working. In the package, Cameron announced: • No newly arrived EU jobseekers will be able to claim housing benefit. • No EU migrant will be entitled to out-of-work benefits for the first three months. In line with a previous announcement, no EU migrant from January will be able to claim jobseeker's allowance (JSA) for more than a maximum of six months unless they can prove that they have a genuine prospect of employment. • A new minimum earnings threshold will be introduced before benefits such as income support can be claimed. • Any EU national sleeping rough or begging will be deported and barred from re-entry for 12 months "unless they can prove they have a proper reason to be here, such as a job". He also announced a fourfold increase in the fine for employers failing to pay the minimum wage, to £20,000, although critics have claimed the problem lies in lack of enforcement rather than the level of the fine. The package comes on top of proposals in the immigration bill to require EU migrants to pay for the use of the NHS. The issue of free movement of workers in the EU, a cardinal principle of the European Union's single market, is likely to dominate the European parliament elections in the summer. Downing Street is confident that its own package of restrictions announced Tuesday does not fall foul of EU law, a view supported by the pro-European Nick Clegg. The deputy prime minister said: "These are sensible and reasonable reforms to ensure that the right to work does not automatically mean the right to claim. Other countries in the EU already have similar policies and are considering the case for going further. Unfettered access to benefits across member states simply does not exist." Some Tory MPs are unlikely be satisfied with the package. A group of 40 Tory backbenchers are already calling for the immigration bill, currently in the Commons, to be toughened up so that the existing transitional controls on Romanians and Bulgarians are retained until 2018, a move that would put the UK at loggerheads with the European Union. Cameron also called for a wider settlement on the free movement of workers, an issue that is bound to feature in any Conservative renegotiation of British EU membership. In an article for the Financial Times, Cameron writes: "We need to face the fact that free movement has become a trigger for vast population movements caused by huge disparities in income. That is extracting talent out of countries that need to retain their best people and placing pressure on communities. "It is time for a new settlement which recognises that free movement is a central principle of the EU, but it cannot be a completely unqualified one. "We are not the only country to see free movement as a qualified right: interior ministers from Austria, Germany and the Netherlands have also said this to the commission." He also condemned Labour's "monumental mistake" in failing to control immigration from Eastern Europe as he spelled out new measures to stop EU citizens coming here to live off benefits. He said it had been a catastrophic failure on Labour's part not to impose transitional controls on new EU members in 2004, a failure that had led to a surge in immigration, with one million people from central and Eastern Europe now living in the UK. Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary acknowledged at the weekend that Labour had allowed immigration to grow too far and too fast. Cameron writes: "In 2004, the Labour government made the decision that the UK should opt out completely of transitional controls on the new EU member states. They had the right to impose a seven-year ban before new citizens could come and work here, but – almost alone in Europe – Labour refused it. That was a monumental mistake," he said. The PM said Labour made matters worse by failing to learn any lessons when Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007. "That was the moment to address difficult questions about when to allow new entrants full access to each others' labour markets – but the Labour government ducked these questions. That is why this government extended transitional controls on Bulgaria and Romania from five to the maximum seven years," he said. Cameron also said he would like to like the EU to tackle long term how it prevented "fresh surges of immigration in future when countries join the EU". The big concern is Turkey. He said: "One would be to require a new country to reach a certain share of average EU GDP per head before full free movement was allowed. Individual member states could be freed to impose a cap if their inflow from the EU reached a certain number in a single year," he said. The number of EU migrants claiming jobseekers allowance in February 2013 was estimated at 60 100, according to government statistics. Daily Email close Sign up for the Guardian Today Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Sign up for the daily email * Print this Print this * Share * Contact us Send to a friend Close this popup Sender's name ____________________ Recipient's email address ____________________ Send Your IP address will be logged Share Close this popup Short link for this page: http://gu.com/p/3kym3 * StumbleUpon * reddit * Tumblr * Digg * LinkedIn * Google Bookmarks * del.icio.us * livejournal * Facebook * Twitter Contact us Close this popup * Contact the Politics editor politics@theguardian.com * Report errors or inaccuracies: reader@theguardian.com * Letters for publication should be sent to: letters@theguardian.com * If you need help using the site: userhelp@theguardian.com * Call the main Guardian and Observer switchboard: +44 (0)20 3353 2000 * + Advertising guide + License/buy our content Article history About this article Close this popup EU migrants: David Cameron sets out more benefit restrictions This article appeared on p4 of the Main section section of the Guardian on Wednesday 27 November 2013. It was published on the Guardian website at 09.35 GMT on Wednesday 27 November 2013. It was last modified at 14.01 GMT on Tuesday 3 December 2013. It was first published at 00.21 GMT on Wednesday 27 November 2013. Politics * David Cameron · * Liberal Democrats UK news * Immigration and asylum Society * Benefits World news * European Union · * Europe More news * More on this story * Romanians bulgarians new questions difficult benefits EU migrants face 100 new questions to make it harder to obtain benefits The new habitual residence test is being rushed out before transitional controls on Romanians and Bulgarians are lifted * Net migration to UK jumps by 15,000 in a year to 182,000 * Nick Clegg attacks EU commissioner over 'nasty country' comment * Cameron panicking over Romanian and Bulgarian workers, says Labour * We need to talk about immigration, just not in this way * Benefit restrictions on EU migrants: will they work? * Share * Tweet this * * * Email Comments Click here to join the discussion. We can't load the discussion on theguardian.com because you don't have JavaScript enabled. 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All rights reserved. * Share * Tweet this * * Quantcast #Daily Express UK RSS Feed Daily Express Search [p?c1=2&c2=12961652&cv=2.0&cj=1] Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. express_logo ____________________ (BUTTON) * Find us on Facebook * Follow us on Twitter * Check us on Google+ * Subscribe to our rss feed Sign in / Register Daily Horoscope Our Apps Our Paper Paper Archive Weather 12° London, UK * HOME * News * Sport * Comment * Finance * Entertainment * Life & Style * Fun * Pictures * UK * World * Showbiz * Royal * Weird * Health * Science & Tech * Nature * Property * Retirement * Scotland * Sunday * WWI * Home * News * UK * 98% demand a ban on new migrants as thousands support our Crusade 98% demand a ban on new migrants as thousands support our Crusade THE Crusade launched by the Daily Express yesterday to prevent a new surge of European immigration to Britain has already won massive support. By: Alison Little Published: Fri, November 1, 2013 Tweet 229Comments The Express 039 petition to prevent a new surge of EU immigration has already won huge support The Express' petition to prevent a new surge of EU immigration has already won huge support [TIM CLARKE] CLICK HERE TO SIGN OUR PETITION NOW More than 12,000 people have already signed our petition calling on the Government to keep controls on Bulgarian and Romanian workers coming here. Our telephone switchboard and website were also inundated with expressions of support. And in a further indication of the strength of public opposition to large-scale immigration, 98 per cent of readers taking part in a snap Daily Express phone poll agreed that Britain “should close its borders to ALL new migrants”. Strict controls on EU migrants are due to lapse at midnight on December 31. Prime Minister David Cameron says that we are obliged like other European Union member states to lift these restrictions. They were imposed when Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU in 2007 and were designed to put a strict limit on their citizens’ rights to work here. David Cameron says the UK is obliged to lift the restrictions [PA] But campaigners estimate that as many as 70,000 a year could move here from the two countries once the controls are lifted. Our petition urges Mr Cameron to defy the EU and insist that Britain will keep the restrictions in place. Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman indicated that although Mr Cameron firmly believed it was right to put the controls in place in 2007, he did not see any scope for extending them beyond the New Year deadline. The spokesman said: “They are transitional controls and they do come to an end.” Stressing the Government had acted to reduce the pressures of immigration, he added: “The Prime Minster would say that more widely we need to bring net migration down. And we have a policy as a Government of doing that.” EU, Immigration, Petition, Daily Express, Crusade, Romania, Bulgaria, David Cameron, Coalition Government, UK, Full, British workers Nick Clegg was challenged over the Express' campaign on his weekly radio show [GETTY] Related articles * We've been here before and we know how this EU story will end, it is time to say NO * Roma surge threatens to add to estimated 200,000 population already in UK * Eastern European beggars spoiling London's smartest addresses * Join our Crusade today... stop new EU migrants flooding in to Britain * Thousands call Nick Clegg's LBC radio show to back Daily Express petition on EU migration I am absolutely 100 per cent behind the Daily Express campaign. It ties in entirely with my Bill Tory MP Peter Bone Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was yesterday challenged over our campaign during his weekly LBC 97.3 Radio phone-in show. A string of callers backed the Daily Express on immigration. One caller to Mr Clegg’s show asked: “What is the Government actually going to do about immigration? “Could we have a straight answer as to why the loophole hasn’t been closed down, why the numbers have not been reduced, what is actually going on? What are Brussels not allowing you to do?” The europhile Lib Dem leader said he was aware of people’s concerns but suggested they were misplaced. He claimed the scale of Romanian and Bulgarian arrivals would be nowhere near the massive numbers of eastern Europeans who came when their countries joined the EU in 2004, and the Labour government put no limits in place. Nick Ferrari, host of the “Call Clegg” phone-on show, then directly challenged the Deputy PM on air about our Crusade. Mr Clegg insisted the Government had cut net immigration by about a third and made some “very, very significant changes” to the system. EU, Immigration, Petition, Daily Express, Crusade, Romania, Bulgaria, David Cameron, Coalition Government, UK, Full, British workers People are backing our campaign to halt the flood of eastern European migrants [TIM CLARKE] He added: “What I want to see is an immigration system that means that we are open to people that come to this country, that want to help out and want to work, and want to pay their taxes, want to play by the rules. “Our public services depend on people coming to this country. The NHS would collapse overnight if we simply pulled up the drawbridge, and we should continue to give British citizens the freedom to go, as they do actually in very large numbers, to live elsewhere. “So you can’t suddenly just put up a barrier but it’s got to be done in a way which is administratively competent and that people have confidence in.” Mr Ferrari pressed Mr Clegg on whether he agreed with estimates that up to 70,000 Romanians and Bulgarians a year would flood into Britain. The Deputy PM said he did not know and that the Government had no intention of repeating Labour’s mistake of issuing inaccurate forecasts. He conceded: “I don’t want to deny people’s concern. It’s palpable. A lot of people have raised it with me. “And I totally understand, having been given these, as it turned out to be misleading estimates which underestimated the number of people who came here from central and eastern Europe (in 2004). “We shouldn’t automatically assume that it’s going to be exactly the same scale (as 2004), not least because there are a number of Bulgarian and Romanian communities, large communities, in other parts of the EU. That often suggests that is where people would tend to go. But of course we’re going to keep a very close eye on this.” Later Mr Ferrari, who had hosted another show before the Call Clegg programme, told the Daily Express 95 per cent of people contacting him yesterday had backed our Crusade. He said: “The moment we talked about it, the calls started flooding in. People are concerned about the sheer level of migration.” Tory MP Peter Bone’s Private Member’s Bill calling for the restrictions on Bulgarian and Romanian immigration to remain in force, is due for its Second Reading on November 29. Mr Bone said yesterday: “I am absolutely 100 per cent behind the Daily Express campaign. It ties in entirely with my Bill. “Once again the Daily Express is speaking for the British people.” CLICK HERE TO SIGN OUR PETITION NOW Tweet Share this Print Email 229Comments Add Your Comment Your Name: __________________________________ Comment: 1000 characters remaining ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ (BUTTON) Post Comment Comments (229) realtalk 8:50am on Friday, 22nd November 2013 Report This Comment clegg...what a joke. nhs would collapse! lmao. there are doctors dentists nurses pharmacists who studied in england , have huge debts doing so who cannot get jobs in england! yet immigrants come, get free education (grants and funding) and then take the very same jobs. talk of taxing these immigrants helping the uk...how about comparing what the contribute in taxes to what they cost the tax man in benefits, teaching them how to claim benefits, and not to spit etc etc.. how about you take care of the british people for once rather than immigrants. i agree there are immigrants who can help n better the UK, but this is a minority. maybe spend more time improving the uk, and once it is in a better place than the recession-ridden, EU-controlled and generally socially n financially fragile state it is in now....then maybe allow net positive immigration. nothingfails 1:30pm on Tuesday, 5th November 2013 Report This Comment @ExpatPerth if the english dont like the EU, how about england exits the EU, free trade & free movement for the english is dropped, duty for english goods & paid visa are introduced, english companies are not allowed to eastern european states to exploit the local eastern european population, as they do now!? would be fair enough, would it be not! bulgarians have always been too tolerant and have accepted any other peoples who have come, including the gypsies. gypsies cannot be integrated. the english would have not been able to integrate them either, just like religious extremists cannot be integrated. bulgarians have been a subject of genocide for thousands of years, too. in history england has worked against bulgarians which led to bulgarians' greatest national catastrophy - bulgarians lost more than half of their ethnic lands for england supported bulgaria's enemies. prevent straight access to social security but do not prevent access to work for good ones, in the name of LOVE nothingfails 1:08pm on Tuesday, 5th November 2013 Report This Comment UK media present a false image of bulgarians manipulating masses by fear. the truth is england thanks to good circumstances has exploited half the planet and has become rich this way. having controlled other lands, england has always received people from various places. 10 000 000 immigrants in the UK from 3d world places, who sit on social benefits. and many british are unhappy in the UK and by the thousands leave to go live else, including bulgaria. bulgarians (and romanians) are not the gypsies you present. Bulgarians are the first people who lived in south east europe since over 7 000 yaers ago, known as pelasgi, thraki, makedoni, moesi, gaethi, scythi, sklaveni (slavs) and bolgari/ bogari, who have given the world orpheus, alexander the great, spartacus, many eastern roman emperos, the cyrillic alphabet, the man who created the first el. computer in the world - john atanasoff. prevent straight access to social security but do not prevent access to work for good ones.do not be EVIL ExpatPerth 9:46pm on Sunday, 3rd November 2013 Report This Comment When it comes to standing up to the EU Cameron has the courage of a sewer rat. He will give what little independence over to the EU and Britain will be no more that another state in the Greater German Empire that is the EU glowsred 8:46pm on Sunday, 3rd November 2013 Report This Comment http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10423070/Press-row-PM-faces-qu estions-over-link-to-charity.html we now have proof from Cameron himself that he is a pro EU socialist, he is a patron of a Common Purpose organisation and was a founding member of Unite Against Fascism. Share Your Opinion? 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"Daily Express" is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Quantcast #alternate publisher HuffPost Search Non-EU Migrant Cap Is Stifling UK's Economic Growth And Making Us Look Protectionist, Say Leaders Non-EU Migrant Cap Is Stifling UK's Economic Growth And Making Us Look Protectionist, Say Leaders HuffPost's QuickRead... Loading... HuffPost's QuickRead... 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Looking Back on Our Unplugging Challenge + Emily Verdouw Emily Verdouw : We Need to Stop Validating a Woman's Place in Society by How Beautiful She Is + Nadia Tolokonnikova Nadia Tolokonnikova : Help the Women Being Tortured in Russian Prisons + Tom Walters Tom Walters : The Help to Buy Con Helps No-One View all featured blog posts * Third Metric * Pictures Of The Day * Premier League * Women * Entrepreneurs * Young Talent * Travel * Health * Impact * Say No To January Charlie Thomas Charlie Thomas Become a fan charlie.thomas@huffingtonpost.com Non-EU Migrant Cap Is Stifling UK's Economic Growth And Making Us Look Protectionist, Say Leaders Posted: 04/02/2013 11:22 GMT | Updated: 04/02/2013 11:22 GMT reddit stumble Share on Google+ non-eu migrant workers The government's migrant cap is stifling off an economic recovery, according to business experts, especially in tech hubs like the Silicon Roundabout Get UK Newsletters: Enter email_________ Subscribe Follow: Immigration, Business News, Economic Recovery, UK Politics, Business, Foreign Workers, Immigration Cap, Immigration Reform, Non Eu Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers, UK Economy, UK News The government's cap on non-EU migrant workers will stifle the growth of many British businesses and limit our export exposure into emerging markets, according to the country's top business leaders. Following on from the Home Office's decision to drop the net number of inward migrants into Britain from 280,000 to 100,000, British commerce leaders have openly criticised the government – saying the reduction sends out a message that Britain is closed for business. "We accept that a poorly informed public debate about immigration has made migration an electoral issue that politicians feel bound to respond to," John Wastnage, policy adviser at the British Chambers of Commerce, told the Huffington Post UK. "But employers would like politicians to show some leadership in explaining that skilled workers are good for the UK, particularly at a time when the country needs to compete as effectively as possible in the global market." Neil Carberry, the Confederation of British Industries’ director for employment and skills, agreed, adding that what employers waned was need a system that doesn't just control migration but attracts the skilled workers the economy needs, who would otherwise go to our competitors. He added that the policy was in danger of "creating a long lasting, negative perception of Britain as a place to do business". "Getting a firm grip on this has to be the top priority for ministers. The net-migration target is unlikely to be met by 2015, despite ongoing reforms," Carberry said. "We are concerned that yet more short-term changes to hit this political goal risks holding back growth, deterring investment and damaging universities. Businesses need policy stability above all." In London, the issue is particularly hitting small and medium sized businesses, who often need the skills of non-EU migrants to fill a gap which homegrown talent can't. Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of the London Chamber Of Commerce, told HuffPost UK more than half of the capital’s smallest firms, those with 1-19 employees have either employed non-EU migrant workers in the last five years or have considered doing so. "Often businesses take on staff for language skills or knowledge of particular markets that just doesn't exist in the home workforce. Smaller businesses need to be able to access these types of skills to grow and expand and drive the growth the UK badly needs," he explained. "The levels of unskilled non-EU migration have been negligible for some time now, meaning that they are limited to restricting skilled and highly-skilled non-EU migration – the very sort that businesses are looking for. "It costs a business six times more to employ a non-EU migrant that a domestic worker – in other words, they are doing it because they are accessing a different skill set, unobtainable in the domestic market. How many Britons have a significant cultural and industrial knowledge of China or India for example?" Stanbridge also said other restrictions on migrants were needlessly putting them off coming to the UK, including: * Tourists wishing to travel to the UK and on to other European cites, have to fill out two application forms, a large proportion of which are identical. The applicants passport is also retained for the duration of the process * The time taken to process applications is excessive (while UKBA in China now have this down to five days on average, that is certainly not the case elsewhere) * The time it takes for UK companies to apply for a sponsor's licence is excessive * Many questions on the forms are overly intrusive * Often applications are refused on the basis of misunderstandings that could be addressed with a change of attitude * The language barrier facing applicants * Stronger restrictions on T1 migrants (entrepreneurs) * The abolition of the post-study work visa for students is having a massive impact on the numbers applying to British Universities In a recent interview with the BBC, Dan Crow, chief technology officer at Songkick, said the net migration cap would hugely affect the UK's tech industry - the exact industry the government was trying to boost. "The high tech companies around Silicon Roundabout are really affected by the immigration cap; we thrive on having really skilled workers, and our ability to grow, expand and provide new jobs in this area is very much affected by our ability to get those skilled workers," said Crow. "If we're really going to grow Silicon Roundabout into something that is world-beating and that has a major effect on the economy, we need the best and the brightest from around the world." Many of the business leaders we spoke to also pointed out that limiting non –EU workers would slow down the UK's economic recovery; something which was championed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland earlier in January. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chief executive of Tata Consulting Services, said improving labour mobility would help the UK's economy to recover faster. He added that his company would be in a 'unique position' to help UK companies do this, if only his staff could get into the country. "We want to be able to help our clients but need more flexibility of labour," he said. His staff were not interested in emigrating to the UK, he insisted, they just wanted to come over, work, and then leave. Proponents of the cap say by limiting the net migration from skilled non-EU workers we will encourage businesses to train up more home grown staff – helping to boost the economy and companies' worth. "Businesses will always need to draw on talents from other countries, but more can be done to ensure that UK workers are equipped to fill skills gaps rather than forcing employers to recruit from overseas," acceded Wastnage, but he believes the migrant cap isn't the way to accomplish that task. "Rather than this protectionist policy, which reduces the UK's ability to compete in the world, we would like supply-side reforms to improve the skills of the domestic workforce so that UK businesses can find the brightest and the best for their sector among UK workers," he offered. "Business people tell us that they would like a more responsive skills system to ensure that the domestic labour market can better meet their needs." Some businesses are already seeking to find loopholes - so-called intra-company transfers allow businesses to move overseas staff into the UK without them falling into the immigration quota - the Migration Advisory Committee said in February 2012 as many 30,000 migrants have entered Britain using this policy. And if loopholes can't be found, our neighbouring EU countries are only too ready to offer their services. Laurent Fabius, the French foreign secretary, told listeners to radio station France Info, said that his country would "dérouler le tapis rouge" (roll out the red carpet), to businesses before prime minister David Cameron had even finished his speech. The red carpet reference was a pertinent dig at Cameron, who used precisely the same term last year in reference to French businessmen and the new 75% tax which has been proposed by French president Francois Hollande. HuffPost UK contacted the Home Office for comment on the issue; a UKBA spokesman said: "There is no incompatibility between economic growth and controlling migration - our reformed, more selective immigration system can achieve both. "The UK is open for business to the brightest and best migrants and we want to ensure we remain an attractive destination for global talent." * Contribute to this Story: * Send us a tip * Send us a photo or video * Suggest a correction FOLLOW UK Like [DEL: :DEL] 69k Enter email_________ Subscribe Related News On Huffington Post: Immigration: Capping Numbers Will Damage Businesses, LCCI Says Immigration: More Foreign Workers From Outside EU Banned In UK London Needs Migrants Immigration: Capping Numbers Will Damage Businesses, LCCI Says The London economy is far more reliant on overseas workers than many in government think, according to a report by the London Chamber of Commerce... Foreign Worker Ban Immigration: More Foreign Workers From Outside EU Banned In UK Foreign workers from outside the European Union will be banned from coming to the UK to work as secondary school biology teachers, vets and orchestral... Around the Web: [favicon.ico] BBC News - Cut non-EU migrant workers by up to 25%, ministers told [favicon.ico] Non-EU migrant workers cut by fifth but cap of 21,700 comes with a ... [favicon.ico] Non-EU immigration linked to unemployment, says report | UK news ... [favicon.ico] Migrant workers: Taking our jobs - or not? | The Migration Observatory [favicon.ico] UK's visa system for Chinese workers like 'pulling teeth', says EEF [favicon.ico] If we want to limit immigration, why punish Chinese tourists? 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View all RSS feeds * 1. 2. 3. uk-london24 ‘Jealous’ friend threw acid over Naomi Oni, court hears Teen Samuel Boon who died on Morocco trek was ‘taking bed-wetting medication’ London’s black cabs through the years as Nissan launches new Hackney Carriage - PICTURES More News at London24.com Search The Huffington Post_____ Search * Advertise | * * Make HuffPost your Home Page | * RSS | * Careers | * FAQ * User Agreement | * Privacy | * Cookie Policy | * Comment Policy | * About Us | * About Our Ads | * Contact Us * "The Huffington Post UK" is provided by AOL (UK) Limited. © 2014 AOL (UK) Limited its affiliates and licensors * Part of HPMG News Quantcast HuffPost Lightbox #The Spectator » Feed The Spectator » Comments Feed The Spectator » I got a call from Jeremy Hunt about health tourism — but he still doesn't get it Comments Feed IFRAME: //www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-J2ZF Subscriber login Login with your Web ID ____________________ Submit [ajax-loader.gif] Can't find your Web ID? Click here Subscribe from just £1 a week × * Classifieds * Events * Shop * Plus * Subscribe [ADTECH;loc=300] The Spectator ____________________ Go * Home * Coffee House * Blogs * The Week * Columnists * Features * Books * Arts * Life * Spectator Life * Podcast * Archive I got a call from Jeremy Hunt about health tourism — but he still doesn't get it The government's solutions will fail because it can't grasp the scale of the problem, says our NHS whistleblower 24 Comments J. Meirion Thomas 2 November 2013 JM On Monday morning, Jeremy Hunt’s diary secretary rang me to arrange a time for me to speak to the Secretary of State over the telephone. I had already received an email from his special adviser the previous week, saying, ‘The two points which the independent research make clear are central to what you’ve been saying for a long time; namely that health tourism is a huge problem with a substantial cost to the NHS and the current system is an unfair burden on frontline staff.’ When Jeremy rang, he was charming, full of praise, and eager to tackle the issue of health tourism — the exploitation of the NHS by ineligible, non-tax contributing patients. Yet for all the Health Secretary’s good intentions, I fear his department is failing to grasp the nettle. The government has not recognised the extent of the problem, so its solutions are inadequate. When I first raised this issue in The Spectator, I quoted from the Department of Health’s website section on ‘Eligibility for free hospital treatment under the NHS’, to show how open to abuse the rules and regulations governing free access to NHS care are. (Strangely enough, the page was removed and archived soon after my article was published.) On the back of my article, the government employed a company called Creative Research to investigate the health tourism problem. It too found that the eligibility criteria for free NHS care were porous, ineffective and difficult to enforce, and that any determined non-resident can breach them. Nevertheless, Creative Research has grossly underestimated the extent of the problem. Let’s first remind ourselves of the strict definition of a health tourist. It’s someone who arrives in the UK with a pre-existing illness whose purpose is to access free NHS care. (The term does not apply to visitors who suffer accidental or incidental illnesses during their stay, nor to asylum seekers or disadvantaged migrants who are entitled to ‘Good Samaritan’ NHS care.) The claim by Creative Research that this activity costs between £70 million and £300 million cannot possibly be correct. Where is the data to confirm that estimate? I still maintain that the cost of this component of the problem, as defined, is in billions, not millions. For example, the cost of treating expatriates who have lived abroad for decades and returned for treatment has not been included. Inline sub2 Creative Research is a market research company. It has little financial or commercial expertise. Its website states that it depends on freelance researchers to deal with commissions. It lists 32 examples of previous projects, only three of which are connected with health matters. The rest are client-based satisfaction surveys based on interviews and relating to museum attendance, water companies and the RSPB. The Department of Health response to the Morecambe Bay scandal was to commission a report from Grant Thornton, a multi-national management consultancy with almost inexhaustible investigative potential. Is it too harsh to conclude from this enormous discrepancy in investigative skill that the Department of Health does not wish to investigate the true cost of health tourism? ‘How did your meeting with the lobbyists go?’ ‘How did your meeting with the lobbyists go?’ In the next few weeks, in an attempt to reduce the cost of health tourism, the government will announce new rules about who can access NHS care. There is a proposal for an annual health levy or surcharge set at £150 for foreign students and at £200 for other temporary migrants. The levy will apparently generate £1.9 billion over a ten-year period, based on approximately 490,000 applicants who would be required to pay. This amounts to the cheapest travel/health insurance on the planet! All that students and temporary migrants have to do is cough up £150 or £200 and they will be fully entitled to unlimited free health care. Besides, don’t the geniuses who thought up this plan realise that, apart from a few students who exploit the system, most health tourists come on a visitor’s visa, so would be exempt even from this minimal charge? Why shouldn’t students and temporary migrants be required to have health insurance, as is necessary for any British citizen studying or working abroad? And how is the levy going to work? If the student is on a three-year course, would the outlay charge be £450 plus the cost of the visa? If the same student is bringing his/her spouse and three children, then would the outlay charge for three years be £2,250 plus the cost of five visas? Does this fit with the government’s idea of encouraging students to come to UK because they bring us so much revenue? In any event, access to the NHS is based on residency, not contribution. The immigration minister Mark Harper has said that ‘Payment of the surcharge will ensure that most NHS services would then be free for migrant use.’ In a BBC interview, Jeremy Hunt said, ‘The levy could be set higher and might exclude certain treatments like IVF, cosmetic surgery, renal dialysis, transplantation and pre-existing pregnancies.’ That should definitely be the case — and let’s hope this idea will not become another coalition casualty. Hunt’s other measure is to appoint a director of cost recovery. It has been assessed that £500 million per year could be saved through the health levy, by deterring health tourists, and finally by recovering costs from chargeable patients — meaning those who have received treatment but are deemed to have been ineligible for free NHS care. Invoices for this category of patient are already raised; but currently only 20 per cent are paid. If proper entitlement controls were in place, though, surely this debt collector role would be unnecessary? Health tourists need to be identified and excluded from the NHS. But there is no method for enforcing payment. It’s fraud without penalty. Any charge made is at the NHS tariff, which is about 25 per cent of the equivalent cost in a private UK hospital. The only permanent solution is a method of personal identification to prove entitlement to free NHS care, as you can find in all other countries with health systems equivalent to our own. Health tourists come to the UK because we let them. This article first appeared in the print edition of The Spectator magazine, dated 2 November 2013 Tags: Health, health tourism, Jeremy Hunt, migration, NHS __________________________________________________________________ Our best-ever offer! 1. A year’s subscription to the print magazine. 2. Full digital access — online and apps. 3. A bottle of champagne. All for just £69.99. Join us now. Cover_040113_Issue * Mynydd “The only permanent solution is a method of personal identification to prove entitlement” It’s called an ‘ID card’, come on just say it, an ‘ID card’ is the answer. + Jackthesmilingblack Bit rich a Brit national resident abroad can`t get NHS treatment after five years away. o Tom M Quite so Jack. The Brit returning would have an NI number. To me that means that you are entitled to health care anytime. Why wouldn’t the country of your birth’s health system look after you? Where else would you go? As far as entitlement goes compare someone who has been abroad working with someone living on benefits all their lives. # Jackthesmilingblack A couple of rhetorical questions: Why wouldn’t the country of your birth’s health system look after you? Why indeed? But when you fly the coop, don`t leave one foot in UK. Where else would you go? I was treated under the Japanese health service from Day 1. Jack`s comment: How can you betray a country that`s already betrayed you! Jack, Japan Alps # Toby Esterházy A bit of a faux anger. An expat would be eligible, provided that he lives in this said Country, and not fully tanned-up, speaking with a strange accent and only coming here just for the holidays. @ Tom M Well if he lives in this country whether an expat or not he would be eligible. I agree about the holidays makers but how about a British citizen, born and grew up in the UK and worked for say 20 years abroad. Returned to the UK in their 40s. Are we saying that they should be treated exactly the same someone who fell of a lorry at Dover? * zanzamander If we’re talking about non EU legal immigrants only than the solution is simple, I’m surprised no one’s thought about it and that is compulsory insurance. Everyone who enters the UK must have a valid insurance certificate purchased via our overseas embassies which must be attached to the passport and shown to the immigration officer. No insurance, no entry. Why is it that muggins here has to fork out hundreds of pounds in insurance when going abroad but these foreigners can just waltz in here without one? + zanzamander Another idea! Charge at least £3,000 in visa to “visitors” from flea infested hell holes of this world, out of which £2,950 could go into a fund dedicated to treat these scroungers when they fall ill. And once they do fall ill here, just patch them enough to load them on to a plane back to the cesspit whence they came. + Jackthesmilingblack This would do more to shoot Britain`s international trade in the foot than any number of my “UK Trash Culture” presentations. Keep up the good work, Zan. + Tom M I wouldn’t check it at entry to the country. Just ask for it if they turn up at hospital like France (post above). “How would you like to pay? We take credit cards” Emergency treatment only if you don’t have the means. + Patricia “Everyone who enters the UK must have a valid insurance certificate purchased via our overseas embassies which must be attached to the passport and shown to the immigration officer. No insurance, no entry.” So simple – why can’t we do it ? * ohforheavensake They still don’t get it, because it’s not that big a problem. http://fullfact.org/factchecks/cost_of_health_tourism_nhs-29247 You’ll forgive me if I believe something from an impartial fact-checking site, rather than something posted in The Spectator. + Ricky Strong Well I can’t verify the credibility of full fact.org but I can tell you that I have a dear friend working very high up within the NHS who deals with very important figures and they will you that while health tourism won’t bring the NHS down it is a massive growing problem that needs stamping out. * Tom M “…the cost of treating expatriates who have lived abroad for decades and returned for treatment…” I think you need to redefine this category Meirion. I live in France and have done so for a decade. If I choose to come back to the UK for NHS treatment (in the very unlikely event that is) why shouldn’t I be entitled? As a retired person any health care costs I incur here in the French system go back to the UK in any case. That is an EU wide agreement. Broadening the point out, why shouldn’t British subjects be entitled to NHS health care at any time in their lives? Think about this. What you are saying is someone comes from Rumania next January gets a job on a building site and on day one has more right to health care than a British subject who has worked abroad for 20 years and comes back. How would this hypothetical returnee be any different to someone who born in and has always lived in Britian and never worked a day in their life? You are correct about health tourism but your definitions of entitlement are way off. The simple answer is just do as others do. No need to re-invent the wheel. In France you are either entitled, and have a “carte vitale” or you aren’t. If you aren’t you pay. How is your choice, insurance or cash. You only have a carte vitale if you are a French citizen or subject to some EU rule that allows the bills to be recovered from where you were born. Just do it right. No stupid sticking plaster fudges such as those proposed. + manonthebus Your comment strikes a chord and is an accurate example of what is now wrong with the NHS. It does not work because too few people are paying for it. This is a symptom of Britain’s declining economic rectitude caused by the extension of progressive taxation. Far too many people in Britain pay nothing throughout their lives for the services they consume and many now see this as an inalienable right. + Toby Esterházy If you had a Carte Vitale and not already a British State pensioner, you are a full member of the French system, and the French have no claim on the NHS. You are never entitled in France simply because you were a Frenchman. The French unemployed for more than 2 years and the expatriates are out of the system. If we don’t count the Italians, only the Americans would grant access of the Medicare scheme to the expatriates, but only for those already receiving an American Social Security pension and also agree to a withholding deduction of the amount normally payable. You have to draw a line somewhere. British citizenship is transmittable for at least one or two generations born abroad, both from the male and the female line, and there would be literally millions eligible. Entitlement by citizenship (jus patriae) or by birth (jus soli) or even by both is unworkable, because Spain and Portugal would then demand 100% reimbursement from the NHS for all the British expats, regardless of the length of residence. o Jackthesmilingblack This must be the “sane” guest. o Tom M If I am a pensioner and live in France I have access to the French health care system but the bills go back to the UK. The same right extends to the French (or any other EU country) in the UK. If I am an EU citizen, not a pensioner and work in France I have automatic rights to health care. If I neither work or am a pensioner then I must provide myself with full health insurance (this requirement at the moment is under review in the EU). You are wrong about the French unemployed. They always have the right to health care. You are confusing two sets of “rights”. What they won’t have is state pension rights unless they have contributed (ie worked). And the difference, unlike the UK, between Social Security and State Pension is considerable. To my original point. Health care costs money. I agree with you it has to be limited by something. Understandably few countries are going to write a blank cheque for masses of immigrants who have contributed nothing anywhere. But surely a country has an obligation to look after it’s citizens wherever they are as a “health carer of last resort”. If not who will? The problems you describe are pivoting upon the far too broad definition of a British Citizen. Personally I would have been only too glad, as a net contributor to the system for 45 years, to have had a portable entitlement that I could have any care provided where I happen to be and the bills sent to the UK. Just like any other insurance (except the government spend the money as it comes in). * Kiran Cheedella Dr Thomas you state ‘I still maintain that the cost of this component of the problem, as defined, is in billions, not millions.’ Where is your statistical evidence for this and what methods did you use to find this out? * Peter Baker I appreciate Mr Thomas’ concern for the NHS finances but he really has nothing to worry about. Health tourism does happen, but it is very rare. A group of 20 or so of my medical colleagues recently discussed the issue, and we agreed that none of us had ever seen a case. The reality is that when people are sick, they want to be seen near their home, by familiar people who speak their own language. Even within the UK people prefer their local hospital rather than a “better” one a few miles away. International travel for health care is rare. Equally importantly, all the steps suggested (charging, restricting access etc) have side effects that are much worse than the minor problem they are designed to treat. Firstly the cost of administering these systems nation -wide will be more than the revenue gained. ID cards were likely to cost £560m per year. Secondly, the international literature on restricting access to routine care is very clear, people with minor problems that could be treated just get sicker and sicker until they now need expensive emergency care that costs us even more. No one is suggesting we stop providing emergency care. Thirdly, many of these diseases will be infectious. By not allowing people access to the NHS whilst they are here, we are risking them spreading infectious diseases and harming the populations health. So in words that Mr Thomas might appreciate: Think of it like a invasive operation which is expensive and has well known harmful side effects, for a disease that may or may not even be there, and certainly isn’t causing any major symptoms. It is just bad medicine. + manonthebus Think of it another way. Your comment is unbelievably patronising and you and your 20 colleagues have not the foggiest idea of what is going on. * Rilman When we have to queue behind foreign people. who have not contributed in the slightest, to access our own NHS, something is not right. I was at an eye clinic at my local hospital just last week queuing for hours, the waiting room looked like an immigration centre. * DR ANONYMOUS Thomas doesn’t provide a shred of evidence to support his claims. For grown-up journalism, visit The Independent and The Guardian : http://tinyurl.com/p8abdu3 and http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/24/medical-tourism-gene rates-millions-nhs-health * Grah101 This article is just more self-important, weary cynicism from a perpetually dissatisfied and willful misrepresenter. If a non-entitled person incurs costs on the NHS they should be billed, and the costs recovered. A upfront deposit was never a ticket giving total free care. Does he really not get this? Subscribe to the Spectator slidein [ADTECH;loc=300] [ADTECH;loc=300;grp=[group]] ron Parliament’s very own Ron BurgundyDid Robert Halfon, the Tory MP for Harlow, get a new suit for Christmas? bit Why Bitcoin makes senseYou don’t need to be a crim to see why cryptocurrencies make sense bow It’s a stupid lie to say we’re all bisexualCosmo Landesman’s not, for starters MOST POPULAR * Read * Shared * Commented 1. Absolute moral squalor on display at a London church 2. 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Currently everyone has to give 15 days notice, but that will be increased to 28 days in England and Wales - and 70 days where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a sham wedding. Illegal immigrants will also be banned from opening bank accounts and getting driving licences as ministers launch a set of measures. Theresa May will announce the plans in the Commons today. Banks will be forced to check against a database of known immigration offenders before opening accounts for foreigners. The Home Secretary will set out plans to check an applicant’s immigration status before issuing a driving licence - and new powers to revoke those licences where immigrants are found to have overstayed. The announcements are part of a wider list of panic measures, which make up the Home Office’s Immigration Bill, to meet the Government’s target of slashing net immigration to under 100,000 by 2015. The bill will also stop migrants using the NHS, make it easier to deport foreign criminals and force private landlords to check they are not renting their property to people with no right to be in Britain. The Home Secretary wants to half the number of deportation of appeals. And she is expected to announce plans to force foreign criminals to appeal their deportation - AFTER being kicked out of the country. Other reforms will include changes designed to deter judges allowing migrants to stay in the country on human rights grounds. She wants to water down the article eight right to a family life - which she claims is being abused. A new bond system is also expected to be introduced, forcing temporary migrants like overseas students to “make a contribution” to public services to cover their stay. Immigration Minister Mark Harper said: “The Immigration Bill will stop migrants using public services to which they are not entitled, reduce the pull factors which encourage people to come to the UK and make it easier to remove people who should not be here.” But Labour said many of the new powers were already available - and accused the Government of trying to cover up their own immigration failures. Over 700 fewer foreign criminals are being deported now than under Labour. And the number of foreign criminals deported has fallen 13.5%, from 5,471 to 4,730 in the last year. Labour added that the businesses being fined for employing illegal workers has plummeted under the Coalition - from 2,269 in 2009 to 1,215 in 2012. 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Search _______________ (Search) Search Health & Science NEXT IN THIS TOPIC The Business Companies, Markets and Finance Daily, Monday to Friday More like this Talking Point Depressed lonely man by window Blue Monday: the saddest thing is the bad science Mon 6 Jan 2014 One-Minute Read Doctor's surgery GP failings revealed: maggots, dirt and medicine mix-ups Thu 12 Dec 2013 The Conversation [dementia.jpg?itok=A6tXVAVo] Dementia: G8 pledge welcome but it's up to us to stay healthy Thu 12 Dec 2013 One-Minute Read [131211-hand.jpg?itok=LcKyCNem] Bionic arm: soldier can control prosthesis with his thoughts Wed 11 Dec 2013 One-Minute Read [dementia.jpg?itok=A6tXVAVo] Dementia time bomb: funding will double in next 12 years Wed 11 Dec 2013 More on Health & Science Briefing NHS foreign care Q&A: how will government save £500m? Jeremy Hunt Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt hopes to save money by charging temporary immigrants a £200 fee LAST UPDATED AT 10:31 ON Tue 22 Oct 2013 UP TO £500m a year could be saved by reducing money spent on foreign patients using the NHS, ministers have claimed. The Department of Health today published a study showing how widely the NHS is used by people from overseas. Ministers are now consulting on the measures it will take to tackle the issue, from charging foreigners a fee for healthcare to deterring so-called 'health tourists'... What does the government currently spend? According to today's report, the government spends £2bn a year on NHS care for short-term immigrants and foreign visitors. Around £461m is spent on foreign nationals visiting the UK who should be paying for the healthcare through their own governments. However, NHS currently only recovers around £73m of this as these patients are often not processed and charged. Around £70m to £300m is believed to be spent on 'health tourists' – people who come to the UK specifically to receive free healthcare. Ministers have said that a £500m saving is a realistic target as some of the spending, such as emergency care and the treatment of infectious diseases, is unavoidable. How would the new system be administered? The government wants to introduce a surcharge for foreigners as part of the new Immigration Bill, which is being debated by Parliament today. By charging a levy of £150 for foreign students and £200 for other temporary migrants, ministers hope to generate £200m a year. They also want to identify a more efficient system to claim back costs from other countries. They plan to do this by establishing a cost recovery unit and introducing a simpler registration process to help identify patients who should be charged. By clawing back costs from other governments, generating money through the surcharge and deterring health tourists, the government hopes to save half a billion pounds. How much is £500m worth to the NHS? With an overall NHS budget of £95.6bn for 2013/14, £500m equates to around 0.5 per cent of the annual budget - equivalent to around two days' worth of spending. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said that even if only 75 per cent of £500m was recovered, it would pay for almost 4,000 doctors or more than 8,500 nurses each year. Are the numbers correct? Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham has claimed the figures used by the government were "out of date" and that it was important to look at "the small print behind the spin". The report itself points out that estimates for health tourism are "impossible to estimate with confidence". Burnham also told the BBC that Labour would not support a situation where "doctors and nurses were being asked to work as surrogate immigration officials". · Disqus - noscript Submitted by RodC on October 22, 2013 - 10:23am. I wonder if the name of the research company (Creative Research) suggests anything about the quality of their findings? Submitted by Beth Williams on October 22, 2013 - 10:33am. Having lived in India for several years it is widely known that people visit Britain just to use our free health facilities. Quite why this scandal was not stopped years ago is a mystery. I wrote about this waste of money to Alan Johnson who at the time was Health Secretary and eventually received a curt response from a civil servant saying that it was not a problem! I hope that the incompetent fools at the Department of Health are made to hang their heads in shame now that we know how much has been wasted. Alan Johnson should apologise for his incompetent management but of couese nothing will happen. Submitted by Les Barrie on October 22, 2013 - 11:29am. Surely it is the responcibility of NHS trusts and their multitudes of administrators to ensure all foreign visitors are billed for their treatments, just another example of pen pusher incompetence. Submitted by Joni_Q on October 22, 2013 - 12:14pm. Charging £200 to every temp migrant is an invitation to use and on occassion "abuse". Afterall You dont pay for an all inclusive hotel package only to go and wine and dine elsewhere. This will be a clear invitation for health tourism. With the amount of money these politicians and their advisers suck from the public purse you would have thought they could come up with better solutions to justify their wages. Submitted by Chris Sellers on October 22, 2013 - 4:07pm. ...not a serious proposal - merely a pre-election vote - catcher! As Beth says - this has been a well-recognised problem for many years. Our politicians (and I deliberately refrain from calling them our "leaders, for such they are most certainly not) of either main party will continue to duck and dive around this issue because it is for the "too difficult" tray. Typically, none of our over-paid and cosseted civil servants seem to be able to get to grips with this problem. £200 is an absolute bargain for medical treatment at today's prices - even if a health tourist is ever asked to pay it. Think again Jeremy Hunt! Submitted by peter hobday on October 23, 2013 - 1:32pm. OK guys, you are asking good questions in the comments. Here is the answer: the doctors who run the hospitals (it's not the administrators by the way) won't agree to collect the money because it goes straight to the treasury, not to the hospital. Submitted by Squiz on October 28, 2013 - 7:30pm. so that's a million health tourists they admit to treating. every year. 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NHS NHS foreigner charge 'opens floodgates to criminal gangs' Plans to charge migrants and foreign students £200 to access the NHS will be "extraordinary attractive" to health tourists, including organised crime, doctors warn Plans to charge migrants and foreign students £200 to access the NHS will be Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt hopes to recover up to £500 million a year charging migrants and foreign students to access the NHS Photo: CHRISTOPHER PLEDGER FOR THE TELEGRAPH By Steven Swinford, Senior Political Correspondent 10:00PM GMT 29 Oct 2013 Follow Comments Comments Charging foreigners £200 to access the NHS will "open the floodgates" to criminal gangs who bring heavily pregnant women from Africa to give birth in Britain, leading doctors have warned. They said that pregnant women are routinely flown from Africa to give birth on the NHS, often to more than one child, in a practise so common it has become known in hospitals as the "Lagos shuttle". The doctors said the lack of restrictions on IVF treatment abroad mean many of the women are give birth to twins or triplets, at a cost of hundreds of thousands of pounds to the NHS each time. They warned that the government's plans to charge migrants and foreign students staying in the UK a £200 NHS surcharge will act as a form of "insurance" and be "extraordinary attractive" to health tourists. Professor J Meirion Thomas, a cancer specialist at the Royal Marsden hospital in London, said that about 5 per cent of his patients were health tourists. Related Articles * Back to the old days of patients dying in agony 03 Nov 2013 * 300 NHS blunders so bad they should never happen in just one year 02 Sep 2013 * Jeremy Hunt: NHS risks losing support bacause of BBC-style excessive pay 28 Oct 2013 * Martina Cole’s arthritis is the real crime 27 Oct 2013 * Doctors to face regular competence tests following Harold Shipman murders 25 Oct 2013 * Western health care is 'stuck in the sickbay' 26 Oct 2013 He told the House of Commons Immigration Bill committee: "If you go to obstetrics at St Thomas's across there they would talk to you about the Lagos shuttle. "I think there's organised crime behind this, by that I mean people pay an amount of money to come into the country. They are given accommodation, told exactly how to answer the right questions. "Maternity tourism the biggest problem is west Africa. We have HFEA rules where only two fertilised ova can be put in any one cycle. There you have high incidents of multiple births. Women come in with the same name, the same age, same address but different blood groups." "It's awful for me as a doctor to have to treat someone who I know is ineligible. I have to cancel a legitimate patient for surgery because there's a health tourist who is ineligible for care who is breaching the NHS rules for two day care. It really bothers me. It really happens so often. Weekly I would say." Professor Terence Stephenson, chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said that the surcharge should reflect the cost of treatment. He said: "A flat levy is clearly a nonsense. £200 wouldn't pay didley squit for one consultation. A single inhaler for asthma costs £55. "It doesn't make any sense at all. You would have to match the cost to what people were taking out of the system for it to make any sense." His concerns were shared by Clare Gerada, the chairman of the Royal College of GPs. She said: "It's not going to deter organised crime. It opens the floodgates to anyone that wants to have free healthcare. It would rapidly become a nonsense." Earlier this month the government published a research paper which suggested that health tourism costs the NHS more than £2 billion a year. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt hopes to recover up to £500 million a year, arguing Britain cannot afford an ‘international health service’. The Home Office plans a new annual levy of £150 on foreign students and £200 on temporary migrants. The surcharge is expected to generate £200 million. The Department for Health said foreigners paying the surcharge to access the health service would need to have a student visa or a job in the UK to qualify for treatment. A spokesman said: "The health surcharge is not a charge for visitors to the United Kingdom. It is only for people coming here on a visa. "If you were the woman who was pregnant with triplets, for you to get access to our healthcare by paying the surcharge you would either have to get a job with someone who was a sponsored employer, or you would have to get a visa as a student, be accepted at a university and pay the fees." Dr Gerada also said that Britain will experience an "explosion" of expats returning to Britain for treatment who will be "almost impossible to identify". She said: "There are a whole bunch of expats who actually live abroad and come back twice a year. They are almost impossible to identify. I would predict that there is going to be an explosion of this group. "They are going to be returning the UK and wanting the treatment that they can't afford in Spain. That's a group I would be quite worried about." 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By Matthew Young/Published 14th October 2013 jobless, eu, european, union, migrants, unemployed, nhs, benefits, JOBLESS: More than 600,000 EU migrants are jobless in the UK The 291-page paper will be published this week by the European commissioner in charge of employment and welfare. It shows that the number of migrants in Britain last year had risen by 42% since 2006. Conservative MP Douglas Carswell said: “It is extraordinary how the European project has debased and debauched the original, noble idea of the welfare state. “These figures show the wave of benefit migrants has become a tsunami of economic refugees fleeing the eurozone crisis to try to find jobs here.” CRITIC: Carswell claims that the country is suffering from a 'tsunami' of migrants [PAUL STEWART] CRITIC: Carswell claims that the country is suffering from a 'tsunami' of migrants [PAUL STEWART] “It is extraordinary how the European project has debased and debauched the original, noble idea of the welfare state.” Douglas Carswell The number of EU migrants coming to Britain without a job rose 73% in the three years to 2011, the report says. The study’s details are the first to show the impact from mainly eastern European countries including Poland, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Jobless drifters cost the NHS £1.5bn but the French health system just £3.4m. 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Oliver Ager, 35, (pictured) pleaded guilty to 17 charges of fraud when he appeared yesterday before Cardiff Crown Court Doctor Who accountant jailed for swindling BBC Wales out of £80,000 A huge wave breaks at Porthcawl on Monday updated Wales weather: More heavy rain and strong winds for Wales after weekend of brutal storms News Opinion + Carolyn Hitt on gender stereotypes Is it important to put a bit of PC into CBBC? It is if you consider fictional children’s characters provide the very first gender templates for small boys and girls" + Stuart Cole on transport investment It is unfair to expect the Welsh Government to achieve these investments so essential for the Welsh economy without a clear picture of its future finances from HM Treasury, but our government too must be clear on what it aims to achieve." * Sport + Latest Sport + Rugby + Football + Cardiff City + Swansea City + Boxing + Cricket + Ice Hockey + Other Sport + Sport Opinion Trending Today + Lee Byrne + Aled Brew + Michael Laudrup + Nicky Maynard + Nathan Blake Popular this week + South Wales derby + Gareth Bale + British and Irish Lions + Wales Rugby Team + Sam Warburton Top Sport Cardiff City linked with move for Senegal striker Mame Biram Diouf as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer steps up recruitment drive AN115803 Hannover 96 forward Diouf played for Solskjaer at Molde and has formerly played for Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers Blakey's Bootroom Blakey's Boot Room: Watch our weekly Cardiff City debate show back now 01.01.14 Cardiff Blues v Newport Gwent Dragons Cardiff Blues suffer Rhys Patchell blow ahead of Toulon Heineken Cup battle Sport Opinion + Scott Johnson Scott Johnson on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's appointment as Cardiff City manager Having missed out on their first choice, Alan Shearer, last time round, they’ve gone one better this time, but is he the right man for the job?" + Nathan Blake on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's appointment at Cardiff City What is for certain is that he got off to a fantastic start in the FA Cup at Newcastle" * What's On + Latest What's On + Arts & Culture + Comedy + Family & Kids + Film + Food & Drink + Music & Nightlife + Lifestyle Trending Today + Benedict Cumberbatch + Joanna Page + Ioan Gruffudd + Mark Drakeford + Ruth Jones Popular this week + Strictly Come Dancing + Wish Campaign + Restaurant reviews + Katherine Jenkins + Catherine Zeta-Jones Top What's On Sherlock Season 3: Viewing figures stay strong for episode 2, The Sign of Three Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes The Sign of Three saw the viewing figures for Sherlock Season 3 stay strong, with 8.8 million viewers watching John Watson get married and Sherlock Holmes' best man speech Ioan Gruffudd Ioan Gruffudd turns to psychologist to help him cope with movie audition knock-backs Sherlock Most talked-about TV moments: from Sherlock and Doctor Who to The Prisoner and The Sopranos What's On Opinion + Elena Cresci on series 3 of Sherlock I'm just going to say what everyone is thinking - drunk Sherlock Holmes is the best thing the BBC has ever done" + Kirstie McCrum on this week's TV 'I will probably swim against the tide of popular opinion when I say that I found Sherlock just a little too smug'" * Business + Latest Business + Business News + Commercial Property + Personal Finance + Appointments + Business Opinion Trending Today + Edwina Hart + Mark Drakeford + Russell Goodway + Malcolm Walker + Carwyn Jones Popular this week + Finance Wales + Economy + Cardiff Airport + Transport Top Business Call Centre hoping for successful start to 2014 Save Britain Money Ltd chief executive Nev Wilshire The Swansea company which featured in the BBC3 documentary The Call Centre enjoyed significant growth last year Cardiff Airport Air Malta announces additional flights from Cardiff Airport What business can do to improve education standards in Wales Business Opinion + Leighton Jenkins on education We are travelling in the right direction but it’s not been enough to deliver the world-class schools system our young people deserve, that parents want and that businesses need." + Stuart Cole on transport investment It is unfair to expect the Welsh Government to achieve these investments so essential for the Welsh economy without a clear picture of its future finances from HM Treasury, but our government too must be clear on what it aims to achieve." * In Your Area + North Wales + Mid Wales + South-East Wales + South-West Wales + Cardiff + Swansea + Anglesey + Blaenau Gwent + Bridgend + Caerphilly + Carmarthenshire + Ceredigion + Conwy + Cynon Valley + Denbighshire + Flintshire + Gwynedd + Merthyr Tydfil + Monmouthshire + Neath Port Talbot + Newport + Pembrokeshire + Powys + Rhondda + Pontypridd + Torfaen + Vale of Glamorgan + Wrexham * Buy, Sell & Tell + Jobs Jobs Search for jobs in Wales + Motors Motors Find new & used cars for sale + Property Property Buying, Selling or Renting? 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Swansea City News All your Swansea City news from the Wales Online sports desk. * Twitter + Follow us on Twitter @walesonline The latest Wales news, sport, weather and events from Wales Online @walesrugby Latest Welsh Rugby News from WalesOnline - Western Mail, South Wales Echo and Wales on Sunday @welsh_football All your Welsh football news from the Wales Online sports desk @yourcardiff The latest Cardiff news, business, crime and transport from WalesOnline * Newsletters + Subscribe Daily bulletin A daily bulletin of the best news and sport from WalesOnline * Home * News * Wales News * Newport sponsorshipBar advertisement * By Darren Devine * Comments 'Migration clusters' in Welsh towns and cities putting pressure on key services, Home Office warns 4 Jul 2013 13:52 Cardiff, Ceredigion, Newport, Wrexham, Swansea and Pembrokeshire all pinpointed by report as areas with migration rates 'well above' national average Newport is one of the cities named in the Home Office report Newport is one of the cities named in the Home Office report David Hurst Towns and cities across Wales have “high migration clusters” putting pressure on essential services and social cohesion, according to a new report for the Home Office. Cardiff, Ceredigion, Newport, Wrexham, Swansea and Pembrokeshire are all identified in the report as areas with “migration rates that are well above the national average". The report, Social and Public Service Impacts of International Migration at the Local Level, marks the first attempt by officials to study the impact of different types of migration in different parts of the country. Cardiff is in a cluster of “urban areas, mainly large conurbations" with “high rates of African and Asian migration, child and international student migration, and a high proportion of supported asylum seekers". Ceredigion is identified within a group that “comprise student towns and coastal and semi-rural areas” with "high levels of churn, generally higher levels of international student migration but moderate migration of other migrants". Wrexham, Swansea and Newport are classed as asylum dispersal areas that "comprise mainly industrial towns characterised by low turnover, high proportions of supported asylum seekers, high worklessness and social housing levels." Pembrokeshire is described as a "migrant worker....countryside area" having "high levels of migration from the (new) EU accession countries", but "below average levels of migration from other countries and lower turnover levels". Asylum dispersal areas like Newport, Swansea and Wrexham and migrant worker areas like Pembrokeshire "have had limited prior experience of large-scale migration", according to the report. "The presence of asylum seekers, refugees and low-skilled workers may therefore have more noticeable effects on social cohesion in these areas," the report concludes. It also suggests the impact of asylum seekers and refugees on health and social services is likely to be greater in Wrexham, Newport, Swansea and Cardiff because of their "high numbers of supported asylum seekers". However ares like Cardiff may have a longer history of dealing with the needs of migrant groups and are therefore better able to adapt to, receive and support new arrivals, the report adds. Pressure on housing is likely to be concentrated in the private rented sector, where most new migrants live. It will be felt most keenly in migrant worker town and countryside areas like Pembrokeshire. The report suggests areas like Pembrokeshire "may experience a greater impact from recent new arrivals due to the new influx of population’s high impact relative to the pre-existing levels and low population density (since these areas are predominantly rural). "This combination of high volumes of new migrants in an area with little previous experience of receiving migrants appears to give rise to greater challenges and potential tensions." In Ceredigion the impact of migration may be less noticeable because the area has higher than average inflows of students and skilled workers from long-standing EU countries who make less impact on services. But the reports adds this "does not mean there is not pressure on services caused by very large numbers of such migrants". On the other hand migration in areas of "rural and coastal retirement" like the North Wales coast and Powys may be of benefit because families and children might help to keep rural schools open, while foreign workers can make a valuable contribution to the economy. Overall the report found 2% of the UK's non-British population lives in Wales, with 5% in Scotland, 2% in Northern Ireland and 91% in England. Recently Published Anchor businesses join innovation initiative Edwina Hart The companies are expected to explore “best practice approaches”, and introduce new methods for product and process development. * What audiences can expect from the National Youth Arts Wales summer season * Why camping in Wales is 'off the scale' and Cool Camping's ten best Welsh campsites Previous Articles Two stunning Welsh homes are honoured for their cutting-edge architecture Trewarren House, Newport, Pembrokeshire, which has won a Welsh architecture award The designers of two stunning homes in Wales have been honoured for their work. * 15 great things to do in Wales this weekend * Thousands flock to Wales' beaches and parks to enjoy weekend of glorious weather Related Tags Places Ceredigion Pembrokeshire Swansea Cardiff Newport Wrexham Organisations European Union mpu advertisement See more stories you'll love You've turned off story recommendations. Turn them on and we'll update the list below with stories we think you'll love (how we do this). Recommended in News Why? * WalesOnline Live Blog News Live: Wales breaking news, Monday 6 January, 2014 * A BBC accountant has been jailed for two years over a missing ¿80,000. Oliver Ager, 35, (pictured) pleaded guilty to 17 charges of fraud when he appeared yesterday before Cardiff Crown Court Doctor Who Doctor Who accountant jailed for swindling BBC Wales out of £80,000 * Mountain Ash Comprehensive School also rose by one band Mountain Ash Staff tackle teenager who took knife to comprehensive school * Thousands of lawyers have staged an unprecedented walk-out at courts in England and Wales over legal aid cuts. Barristers have chosen not to attend proceedings at courts in cities including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Newcastle, Winchester, Bristol and Cardiff. Criminal Bar Association chair Nigel Lithman said the "strike" had the backing of almost every chambers and accused Justice Secretary Chris Grayling of "manipulating" official figures to falsely portray lawyers doing criminal aid work as high-earning "fat cats". The Government plans to cut fees as part of a bid to slash £220 million from the legal aid budget by 2018/19 - reducing them by as much as 30% in the longest and most complex cases. UK News The day's news in pictures: January 06, 2014 * Victims of Jimmy Savile have called for a single judge-led inquiry into how the former DJ was able to evade justice for so long. UK News Jimmy Savile victims seek single inquiry * The view from Aberystwyth's Constitution Hill as the seafront is battered by waves Wales weather Wales weather: Homes, student halls and businesses on Aberystwyth seafront evacuated ahead of second huge tidal swell * The three-star Legacy Cardiff International Hotel in Tongwynlais will close within the next two months it has been announced Tongwynlais More then 20 job losses expected as hotel resort announces it is to close skyscraper advertisement Our print products - online ... Read our publications online You can access our print publications here Most Read in News 1. Mark Drakeford Health minister: Public must take greater responsibility for their own health 2. Wales weather Wales weather: Homes, student halls and businesses on Aberystwyth seafront evacuated ahead of second huge tidal swell 3. Wales weather Wales storms: 22 pictures that show the ferocious power of the latest storm to pummel the Welsh coastline 4. Wales weather Wales weather: 22 pictures that reveal the astonishing scale of the damage to Aberystwyth's storm-ravaged seafront 5. Wales weather Wales weather: More heavy rain and strong winds for Wales after weekend of savage storms Who Can Fix My Car whocanfixmycar.com Find rated mechanics in Wales See more stories you'll love You've turned off story recommendations. Turn them on and we'll update the list below with stories we think you'll love (how we do this). Recommended Why? * WalesOnline Live Blog News Live: Wales breaking news, Monday 6 January, 2014 * Theo Walcott is stretchered off during Arsenal's FA Cup Third Round win over Spurs England Football Team It's World Cup heartbreak for Arsenal and England strike ace Walcott after serious knee injury * A BBC accountant has been jailed for two years over a missing ¿80,000. Oliver Ager, 35, (pictured) pleaded guilty to 17 charges of fraud when he appeared yesterday before Cardiff Crown Court Doctor Who Doctor Who accountant jailed for swindling BBC Wales out of £80,000 * Mountain Ash Comprehensive School also rose by one band Mountain Ash Staff tackle teenager who took knife to comprehensive school * Thousands of lawyers have staged an unprecedented walk-out at courts in England and Wales over legal aid cuts. Barristers have chosen not to attend proceedings at courts in cities including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Newcastle, Winchester, Bristol and Cardiff. Criminal Bar Association chair Nigel Lithman said the "strike" had the backing of almost every chambers and accused Justice Secretary Chris Grayling of "manipulating" official figures to falsely portray lawyers doing criminal aid work as high-earning "fat cats". The Government plans to cut fees as part of a bid to slash £220 million from the legal aid budget by 2018/19 - reducing them by as much as 30% in the longest and most complex cases. UK News The day's news in pictures: January 06, 2014 * Donal Lenihan Wales Rugby Team European rugby crisis: Irish legend Donal Lenihan warns world rugby could be damaged if clubs win power struggle * Victims of Jimmy Savile have called for a single judge-led inquiry into how the former DJ was able to evade justice for so long. 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Send a story Email newsdesk@walesonline.co.uk Phone 029 2024 2630 Postal Address Newsdesk, Media Wales, Six Park Street, Cardiff CF10 1XR IFRAME: https://secure.jotformpro.com/form/30923148526959 WalesOnline Advertise with WalesOnline We reach over 1,384,563* unique users a month with dedicated coverage of all things Welsh. To book an advert with WalesOnline call 029 2024 4296, email pedr.roberts@walesonline.co.uk or visit Media Wales website for more information WalesOnline is part of Media Wales, publisher of the Western Mail, South Wales Echo, Wales on Sunday and the seven Celtic weekly titles, offering you unique access to our audience across Wales online and in print. For all general advertising enquiries please ring 029 2022 3333 The Editor Ceri Gould Editor, WalesOnline Email ceri.gould@walesonline.co.uk Photo of Ceri Gould Ceri has been editor of WalesOnline since April 2012. She was previously executive editor of Media Wales and deputy editor of the Western Mail. 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Football - Celtic v Ajax Amsterdam - UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday Three Group H - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland - 22/10/13 Celtic manager Neil Lennon celebrates at the end of the match Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Craig Brough GENERIC Sports Hotline: Celtic boss Neil Lennon should look for a bargain in Rangers' January sales Bank of Scotland Record View: No accounting for Bank of Scotland's favourable loan to ex-managing director + Daily record Bingo Daily Record Bingo Play Daily Record Bingo now for great prizes! Search: Please provide search keyword(s) Search ____________________ * Home * News * Scottish News * Census * Your Account + Edit Profile + Logout sponsorshipBar advertisement * By Dailyrecord.co.uk Population in Scotland reaches record high as figures reach 5,313,600 8 Aug 2013 10:45 ACCORDING to National Records of Scotland, last year's population was up 13,700 from mid-2011 and up 18,200, from the March 2011 census. Getty Images SCOTLAND'S population has reached a record high, new estimates suggest. The population on June 30 last year was 5,313,600, up 13,700 from mid-2011 and up 18,200 from the census in March 2011, according to National Records of Scotland (NRS). There were 2,577,140 males and 2,736,460 females. The number of both males and females was the highest ever. NRS chief executive Tim Ellis said: "Scotland's population has continued to grow, reaching its highest-ever level last year. The increase from the census in 2011 to end June 2012 was 18,200. "The rise was because there were over 6,000 more births than deaths and a net in-flow of 15,200 more people coming to Scotland than leaving. "Most of this net migration increase is from people coming to Scotland from overseas rather than from the rest of the UK. "Overall however, fewer people came to Scotland from overseas and more people left to go overseas in the year to mid-2012, than in the previous year." The UK's population has grown by more than 400,000 to 63.7 million , new official figures show. The growth of 419,900 in the past year means the UK has had the biggest growth of any country in Europe in the year to June 30 2013 and it is now the third largest EU nation behind Germany and France, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures. France's population grew by 319,100 in the past year to 65,480,500 while Germany's population went up by 166,200 to 80,399,300, the ONS said. The UK had its biggest baby boom since 1972 as 813,200 births were recorded in the past year. There were 558,800 deaths during this period. The UK's population increase can be tracked back to the fact that there were 254,400 more births than deaths and net migration levels of 165,600, the ONS said. A drop in the smoking habit plus improvements to health treatments for circulatory illnesses has seen more men living past the 75-year marker. This is why the number of men aged 75 and over in the UK has increased by just over 26per cent, or 422,353, since mid-2001 to 2,043,034 now. Migration from overseas accounted for 517,800 of the population flow into the UK while 352,100 people left the country, puttng net migration at 165,600 for the year. The estimated population of England now stands at 53.5 million, 5.3 million in Scotland, 3.1 million in Wales and 1.8 million in Northern Ireland. Many of the migrants to the UK are from China, India, Germany, USA, Pakistan, Poland and Australia. The ONS noted that the birth increases are being driven by large numbers of women in their 20s and 30s who are becoming mothers along with an increase in the number of migrant families in the UK. The number of non UK-born mothers is about 26per cent, the ONS said. A 104,000 surge in London's population accounts for around a quarter of the UK's 419,900 population growth. Together London, the South East and the East of England accounted for 53per cent of growth across the UK in the year while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland jointly accounted for 8per cent. More people from other parts of the UK moved to the South East than any other region, leading to a 26,000 increase in the area. London saw the greatest numbers on the move within the UK with a net loss of more than 51,000 people who moved out, largely to the South East and East of England, the ONS data records. The city proved to be top choice for international migrants arriving in the UK as London recorded a net international migration of 69,000 - the highest of all regions. Northern Ireland had the lowest net migration growth of around 400, the ONS said. London also had the largest natural change of all regions as it recorded 86,000 more births than deaths in the past year while Scotland had the lowest with 4,200 more births than deaths. Recently Published Revealed: Almost two thirds of Scots identify themselves as 'Scottish only', census figures reveal Most Scots consider themselves as "Scottish only" RESULTS from the latest Census show that 62 per cent of Scots consider themselves "Scottish only" - three times as many as say they are "Scottish and British". * Quarter of West Dunbartonshire people are disabled or have serious health condition Wild about Scotland Waterway to go for top thrills Pedal or paddle, surf or swim, there’s fun for all in our great outdoors Related Tags In the News Census mpu advertisement skyscraper advertisement See more stories you'll love You've turned off story recommendations. Turn them on and we'll update the list below with stories we think you'll love (how we do this). Recommended on the Record Why? * Nicola Sturgeon gives her speechat St Andrews Uni Independence referendum Nicola Sturgeon urges Labour and Tory supporters to vote Yes in September and claims referendum transcends party politics * Cameron flip flops in 2007 bu switching his parting from left to right David Cameron David Cameron's crimper handed MBE in Honours list for services to hairdressing * Neil Lennon and his squad failed to make it out of Glasgow Airport Celtic FC Celtic's winter break is put on hold as players are grounded in Glasgow due to flight cancellation * Dundee Police appeal for information after three brothers are attacked whilst walking home on New Year's Day * Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, where 1666 staff have been attacked Douglas Alexander RAH sees 46 staff attacked every month, new figures reveal * Councillor Andy Doig is looking at new ways to boost his town Remembrance Day Johnstone town centre should take centre stage * Daily Record News in 90 Seconds Scottish News Video: News in 90 seconds Monday January 6 See more stories you'll love You've turned off story recommendations. 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Most Read in News Football hooligan Gerald McCann 1. Courts Fury as football yob jailed for nine months after bloody mass brawl in train station has been freed after just eight WEEKS 2. Glasgow Royal Infirmary Horror at Hogmanay: Female burglar batters 80-year-old great-grandad in his own home after he saw in New Year with his family 3. Ally McCoist Rangers manager Ally McCoist laughs off Twitter row with John Gemmell insisting: "I get called worse in the house" 4. Weather Satellite image shows huge storm front gathering in Atlantic ready to bring more gales and heavy rain to Scotland 5. Weird News Hunter who claims he KILLED Bigfoot reveals new photographs as 'conclusive proof' Most Read 1. Glasgow Royal Infirmary Horror at Hogmanay: Female burglar batters 80-year-old great-grandad in his own home after he saw in New Year with his family 2. Courts Fury as football yob jailed for nine months after bloody mass brawl in train station has been freed after just eight WEEKS 3. Ally McCoist Rangers manager Ally McCoist laughs off Twitter row with John Gemmell insisting: "I get called worse in the house" 4. Rangers FC Rangers star Richard Forster urges Stenny striker John Gemmell to chuck Twitter - and forge a new career as a football agent 5. 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Search term: ____________________ (BUTTON) Search BBC News UK * Home * UK * Africa * Asia * Europe * Latin America * Mid-East * US & Canada * Business * Health * Sci/Environment * Tech * Entertainment * Video * England * Northern Ireland * Scotland * Wales * UK Politics * Education 25 October 2013 Last updated at 10:51 GMT Share this page * Delicious * Digg * Facebook * reddit * StumbleUpon * Twitter * Email * Print Mark Easton, Home editor Article written by Mark Easton Home editor * More from Mark * Follow Mark on Twitter Consulting... and ignoring Detail of woman walking with crutches More from Mark * New parents shun state relationship help * Can you persuade people not to buy stolen goods? * Lady Mary needn't worry - Britain's elite will survive * Bustling market towns hold the secret of happiness What is the point of government consultations? I pose the question at the end of a week in which ministers responded to three official consultations on three controversial proposals - and appeared to ignore the results from them all. On Monday, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) published its response to a consultation on planned changes to the assessment of people with disabilities in determining their entitlement to benefits. The government had conducted the consultation, it said, "in a fully open-minded manner". Ministers had carefully considered all the views expressed. The consultation focused on plans limiting entitlement to extra help for mobility needs to those who cannot walk 20m. The overwhelming response was that this was a bad idea. "Respondents felt there was no evidence to support the use of 20m," the consultation reported, pointing out "that other government policies use 50m as a measure of mobility". In a section entitled "What you told us", the DWP notes concern that the plan "could increase isolation and reduce independence, have significant financial impact, and cause deterioration in their physical and mental health". "Start Quote Nowhere in the government's response is there evidence that anyone thought the 20m criteria was the right policy" End Quote Respondents warned that the 20m criteria would mean some disabled people needing support from other public services, increasing the cost for the government. "The most common suggestion made by respondents", the DWP reports, "was to extend the qualifying distance for the enhanced rate from 20m to a longer distance". Nowhere in the government's response to the consultation is there evidence that anyone thought the 20m criteria was the right policy. "Having considered all these factors", the DWP response concludes, "the government believes that the use of 20m is the best way of identifying those whose physical mobility is most limited". It is, of course, the democratic right of ministers to consult and to listen and then ignore. The arguments put forward by the DWP may be compelling. But it does lead some to ask whether the consultation really had much value. A similar question might be posed following the government's response on Tuesday to consultations on two proposals concerning immigrants. The Home Office published the results of the public consultation on plans for a levy on temporary non-EEA migrants as a contribution towards the costs of possible NHS care while in the UK. It is a move that ministers claim enjoys considerable public support, but the consultation came back with a rather different view. On the principle of a levy, "34% felt that temporary migrants should make a direct contribution to the costs of their healthcare. Sixty-two per cent disagreed," it found. The Home Office notes differences depending upon the "type of respondent". Among the general public, 65% were against the plan. Among organisations that responded, 77% were opposed. Health-sector respondents, however, were in favour - 66% felt temporary migrants should contribute to the cost of their healthcare. It is the view of 235 health sector respondents, representing around 12% of the total, that appears to have swayed ministers most. "We have considered all responses to these questions carefully but remain convinced that only permanent migrants should be automatically eligible for free NHS care." Consultations are not referendums. In a way, it seems odd the Home Office should go to such trouble to quantify the proportions for and against the policy since the exercise is not designed as an X-factor style public vote. But having conducted a public consultation and expressing gratitude to all those "who have taken the time to respond and to those who have contributed their experience and insight to what is a complex issue", one is left wondering what the point was. The government response to a separate consultation, also published on Tuesday, invites the same question. This time the proposal under scrutiny was the introduction of a legal obligation on landlords to check the immigration status of tenants. "While between one-third and two-fifths of respondents supported the proposal," the Home Office response states, "slightly more than half of all respondents disagreed." Aerial view of houses The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors considered it "inappropriate to use private landlords and lettings agents to help deliver the government's immigration policy". The majority of landlord representative organisations were opposed. "The most widely expressed concern by third sector organisations," the Home Office reveals, "was the potential to impact on vulnerable people, such as those who were homeless, those with learning difficulties and those fleeing domestic abuse". The response? "The government has carefully considered the responses to the consultation and remains convinced of an urgent need for action to deter illegal migration and to safeguard the legitimate housing market." The consultation may lead to ministers including an amendment designed to counter discrimination against foreign national tenants. But on the broad proposal, it seems the exercise has not shifted government thinking one jot. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), "public consultation is one of the key regulatory tools employed to improve transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of regulation". But there has long been scepticism as to whether such exercises are anything more than cosmetic. The public consultation is an opportunity for ministers to test their ideas with experts, those directly affected and voters more generally. Community participation on proposed legislation is seen as a key component of "citizen power". But formal public consultation exercises very rarely result in a government re-think - even if they reveal profound concern. That is not the point of them, and we should not pretend otherwise. Mark Easton, Home editor Article written by Mark Easton Mark Easton Home editor * More from Mark * Follow Mark on Twitter @BBCMarkEaston via Twitter Yup. I am pointless. My children will never let me forget. http://t.co/SlcPEGvuCW More on This Story More from Mark * New parents shun state relationship help * Can you persuade people not to buy stolen goods? * Lady Mary needn't worry - Britain's elite will survive * Bustling market towns hold the secret of happiness * Policing the police * Public 'sees improvements amid cuts' * Are the children of Birmingham safe tonight? * Is online crime really rising? Comments This entry is now closed for comments Jump to comments pagination * All Comments 308 * loading * + Order by: + Latest First + Highest Rated + Lowest Rated * rate this positive negative 0 rate this Rate this comment positively Rate this comment negatively 0 Comment number 308. justmyopinion 27th October 2013 - 0:06 there isn't any point - it's just so somebody can say later "well we let the public have their say". Because everyone knows decisions are more or less decided in advance like when Hunt smoothed the way for the Sky stitch up, they tend not to bother giving their opinions so the same people in government can then say "nobody objected". A farce all round. Report this comment (Comment number 308) Link to this (Comment number 308) * rate this positive negative 0 rate this Rate this comment positively Rate this comment negatively 0 Comment number 307. All for All 26th October 2013 - 23:07 Over @303-4 "gobsmacked storm a direct result of our behaviour" 'Our behaviour' not even ours, driven - despite any higher ambitions in govt, public service, business competition, consultations & responses - driven in every moment of every day of everybody, subtly or not, by the hierarchy of fear & greed. Even population, driven by Mammon. Our duty that equal partnership be known of. Not too late? Report this comment (Comment number 307) Link to this (Comment number 307) * rate this positive negative 0 rate this Rate this comment positively Rate this comment negatively 0 Comment number 306. Damien 26th October 2013 - 21:24 I think most people here would be better involved via 38 Degrees.Politicians hate it,so it must be effective in focusing on day to day policy accountability rather than a guaranteed five year tenure of Party Whip or ambition driven compliance by our so-called representatives. Report this comment (Comment number 306) Link to this (Comment number 306) * rate this positive negative +1 rate this Rate this comment positively Rate this comment negatively +1 Comment number 305. darryl hazell 26th October 2013 - 20:39 There is absolutely no point in any Government consultation. What normally happens is that business vested interests prevail and the minister responsible for granting favourable planning or development is normally rewarded with a non executive directorship a few months later. Report this comment (Comment number 305) Link to this (Comment number 305) * rate this positive negative +2 rate this Rate this comment positively Rate this comment negatively +2 Comment number 304. An Over Populated Planet 26th October 2013 - 20:24 302. All for All This storm that is comihng in the next couple of days is a direct result of our behaviour. Report this comment (Comment number 304) Link to this (Comment number 304) Comments 5 of 308 * loading * Show more Add your comment Sign in with your BBC iD, or Register to comment and rate comments All posts are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. 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Facebook Twitter Get your subscription: Midterm Elections___ Via Search quickly: You could use mouse crossed, get unlimited reading. __________________________________________________________________ UK has one of largest Roma populations in Western Europe with 200,000 living here FURTHER READING:000 living,11million 6million,30 October,54 EST,900 Wales,2004 latest uk one largest 2013-10-31 03:18:02 * Contradicts Government claims 'relatively few' had set up home here * Most of the Roma citizens thought to have arrived in the last ten years * 200,000 figure is four times 49,000 estimated four years ago in a report * Some 183,000 have set up home in England as well as 3,000 in Scotland By Amie Keeley PUBLISHED: 20:54 EST, 30 October 2013 | UPDATED: 20:54 EST, 30 October 2013 Britain has one of the largest Roma populations in Western Europe - with about 200,000 living here - says an authoritative report. "UK has one of..." Developments of events Follow-up report to me * Any reported complete * Just news photo * Just video The study contradicts Government claims that ‘relatively few Roma citizens’ had set up home in this country. Most are thought to have arrived in the last ten years. The 200,000 figure is four times the 49,000 estimated just four years ago in a report prepared for the Department of Children School and Families. Figures: Local residents outside an apartment block in a slum inhabited by Roma people in Baia Mare, Romania. Britain has one of the largest Roma populations in Western Europe - with about 200,000 living here Some 183,000 have set up home in England, with 3,000 in Scotland, 900 in Wales, and 500 in Northern Ireland. The findings come amid concerns about how many more migrants will arrive when restrictions on workers from Romania and Bulgaria are relaxed in January. It is claimed most of the migrants have arrived since a number of eastern European countries, including Slovakia and the Czech Republic, joined the European Union in 2004. The latest study, conducted by the University of Salford and seen by Channel 4 News, concluded the migrant Roma population in Britain was ‘significant’, increasing, and that 200,000 was almost certainly a ‘conservative estimate’. As well as London, Yorkshire, the North West and the Midlands are identified as areas where large numbers of Roma live. According to Channel 4 News, Sheffield has seen a big influx of Roma families over the last ten years. Popular: Sheffield has seen a big influx of Roma families over the last ten years, according to Channel 4 News A decade ago, only one or two were living in the Page Hall area of the city. There are now several hundred families – with more arriving. Families of ten children are not uncommon. Miroslav Sandor, who works in a local advice centre in Sheffield for Roma people, came to the UK in 2004 when Slovakia joined the EU. 'We came here for a better life, having a job, having education for my children' Miroslav Sandor, worker at advice centre for Roma people He was drawn by the chance to send his children to school and college. He told the programme: ‘We came here for a better life, having a job, having education for my children.’ Miroslav ‘Bob’ Sandor, his son, said: ‘In Slovakia when you go to school they don’t let you go to college. If you Roma they just don’t care about you.’ Gulnaz Hussain, manager of an advice centre for migrants in Sheffield, said: ‘I don’t think we could accommodate more people arriving. I think it’s taken its toll in terms of numbers and houses that are available.’ Gathering: As well as London (pictured), Yorkshire, the North West and the Midlands are identified as areas where large numbers of Roma live When asked if Roma people had been welcomed, she responded: ‘There’s been some increased tension since their arrival.’ 'There’s been some increased tension since their arrival' Gulnaz Hussain, manager of advice centre for migrants One of the local residents, Jane Howarth, who is not Roma but has taken it upon herself to organise street patrols around Page Hall, said she often saw ‘hoards of people, Roma, standing on street corners, drinking, eating, chucking all their rubbish’. Dr Philip Brown, one of the authors of the study, said: ‘A few years ago we didn’t really understand the number of migrant Roma in the UK.’ The Council of Europe estimates the population across the whole continent is somewhere above 11million – with 6million in the EU. Of those, around two million live in Romania. Spain has the largest Roma population in Western Europe, with 750,000, followed by France with 400,000. Share or comment on this article dailymail.co.uk Disclaimer statement: The point of this article or rights belongs to the authors and publishers. We take no responsibility for the content of this article and legitimacy. Do you have any questions about this article, please contact the news source dailymail.co.uk. 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Discover The Most ... * Viewed * Discussed * 1 Leeds United: Mac aims to wrap up Stewart transfer * 2 Revealed: Leeds’s top 10 crime hotspots * 3 Rochdale 2 Leeds United 0: My worst moment in football - Mac * 4 Video Leeds United fans have their say on FA Cup exit * 5 Free home appliances for Leeds council tenants? * 1 Rochdale 2 Leeds United 0: Ruthless Dale deliver FA Cup humiliation * 2 Leeds United: Mac aims to wrap up Stewart transfer * 3 Leeds United closing in on Stewart deal * 4 Leeds City Council’s £1 million housing crisis * 5 Leeds United: Full steam ahead for transfers YEP Says (June 12): Jump in migrant numbers poses a challenge for PM l l Published on the 12 June 2013 10:55 Published 12/06/2013 10:55 1 comments Print this Sponsored by Express Bi-folding Doors It is important to recognise the contribution that migrants have made to our society – from the workers who came here during the 1950s to cover labour shortages in the textile industry to those foreign doctors and nurses without whom the NHS would simply be unable to function. Nevertheless, many are now concerned at the level of immigration into Britain, with new figures which show that the foreign-born population of Yorkshire and the Humber has jumped by nearly 80 per cent in a decade adding weight to the argument that we are taking on too many, too quickly. On top of this there is the influx of Romanians and Bulgarians – at a predicted rate of 75,000 a year – that is expected when work restrictions on those two countries’ citizens are removed in January. The fact that Britain has so little power over the flow of such migrants into this country, coupled with the dire track record of those such as the Border Agency who have been tasked with controlling and tracking those who come here, makes it all but impossible to carry out long-term planning to ensure infrastructure such as schools and healthcare services can cope. Many will think the first step for David Cameron should now be to wrest back some control from the European Union over the former issue, while redoubling the Government’s efforts to get a long overdue grip on the latter. The lag who couldn’t get himself arrested Having broken the terms of his day release from prison, convicted burglar Edward Boyle handed himself in at a Leeds police station. When they didn’t arrest him, he tried again at another one. In the end, it was only after the YEP contacted the police that he was finally put back behind bars – over two weeks later. The problem seems to have stemmed from the failure of officials in Merseyside where Boyle was an inmate to record him as missing. The whole farce would be funny if it were not for the serious questions it raises about the checks and safeguards when prisoners are granted a day out of jail. 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Benefits to registering with us comment on stories Comment on stories Customise daily e-mail newsletters Customise daily e-mail newsletters Arrange your newspaper/digital subscriptions online Arrange your newspaper/digital subscriptions online Offers, promotions and deals from partners Offers, promotions and deals from partners * 06/01/14 * 7°C to 11°C Sunny spells Yorkshire 5-day weather forecast CloseX Tuesday 7 Jan Sunny Temp High 11°c Low 7°c Wind From South west Speed 25 mph Wednesday 8 Jan Sunny Temp High 10°c Low 6°c Wind From South west Speed 18 mph Thursday 9 Jan Light showers Temp High 8°c Low 4°c Wind From West Speed 16 mph Friday 10 Jan Cloudy Temp High 8°c Low 2°c Wind From South west Speed 14 mph Saturday 11 Jan Cloudy Temp High 7°c Low 2°c Wind From South west Speed 8 mph Like us Follow us Place your Ad Subscribe * Main Topics * Debate * Mandela Memorial * Traffic Cams * Rural * Features * Video * Christmas Appeal * Community * NHS * Print Editions * General news * Politics * Education * Local stories * National * Showbiz * Northern Digest * World * Big Debate - HS2 Rail * North-South Divide * Letters * Columnists * YP Comment * Political Editor's Blog * Today's Poll * Environment * Farming * Equestrian Post * Gt Yorkshire Show * Video Stories * Sports Talk * Cricket Talk * Books Outloud * Schools podcasts * Cooks' Masterclass * Classic YP Films * Nostalgia * Obituaries * Blogs [local-stories;pgid=12569019;sz=2x2;ord=[timestamp]?] Dynamic Dart Advertisement Picks of the day * VIDEO: World Cup countdown - Join the debate ahead of Rio 2014 * Video: Leeds fans resigned over Rochdale rout * Video: Driver does 63mph with both hands on head * Video: Construction starts at Bradford’s ‘hole in the ground’ * Tackling stereotypes in the war against obesity * Yorkshire ecologist now our man in St Helena * Manchester City Break for Two from £49! Discover The Most ... * Viewed * Discussed * 1 Smarting Leeds aim to tie up Stewart transfer with Hull today * 2 Simply the worst: Leeds performance has fans turning on Mac * 3 Blackadder star hits back at Gove ‘slagging off teachers’ * 4 Brown is hoping for TV spotlight on Hull reunion * 5 Lovely Jubbly...Only Fools and Horses set to return * 1 Simply the worst: Leeds performance has fans turning on Mac * 2 Smarting Leeds aim to tie up Stewart transfer with Hull today * 3 Rochdale 2 Leeds United 0: Whites did not perform, says McDermott * 4 Fuel cost alarm keeping worried pensioners huddled in their beds * 5 Courts come to standstill as lawyers walk out over legal aid Tensions rise as migrants quit their jobs in region Updated on the 28 March 2010 23:40 Published 28/03/2010 23:35 Print this WAVES of migrants have abandoned Yorkshire because of the impact of recession, leading experts to warn of rising tensions over the foreign workers left behind. New figures show the number of EU migrants registered to work in Yorkshire and Humberside has plummeted from 19,000 in 2006 to a projected 9,000 this year. The exodus has been largely blamed on the recession, with thousands of jobs axed in construction, social care, agriculture and hospitality industries, plus the falling value of the pound, leading many, particularly those with families to support, to return home. But in spite of 230,000 people being unemployed in Yorkshire, evidence has emerged of employers targeting the remaining migrants for new jobs. Fears have been raised that this will add to the perception of foreigners taking the jobs of British workers. But, ironically, concerns have also been raised by firms. If the exodus continues some businesses may not be able to fill the posts migrants have left because British-born workers will not take them. Last week the Government's equality watchdog announced it was writing to Cleckheaton-based sliced meat manufacturer Forza AW over allegations of discrimination against British job seekers after the firm advertised for workers who "must speak Polish". The company says the advertisement was a mistake. Elsewhere it is claimed firms across the region have engineered shift patterns to make jobs only attractive to migrant workers, who often travel to the country without their families and are prepared to work longer, more unsocial hours. Helena Danielczuk, an outreach worker for the Federation of Poles in Yorkshire and the Humber and who works with migrants in Bradford, said: "We know of food manufacturing companies across Yorkshire who have changed their shift patterns to accommodate migrant workers. "They want to make efficiencies and these workers are much more profitable and easier to exploit. TUC regional secretary for Yorkshire and the Humber Bill Adams said: "Any practices to exclude people applying for jobs is against the law and is definitely going to whip up tension. "But it is the unscrupulous employers who are deserving of the blame,not hard-working migrants. It makes me ashamed, some of these employers are getting away with murder." Tens of thousands of workers poured into the region after 2004 when the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined the EU. In particular, huge numbers of Polish migrants settled across Yorkshire – in 2007 a total of 10,000 were thought to be living or employed in North Yorkshire alone. Tensions between foreign and domestic workforces in other EU countries have led to violent clashes and unions in Britain have reported a rise in the number of complaints about racist abuse of migrant members following the economic downturn. Regional manager for Yorkshire and Humber Migration Partnership Rob Warm, who has documented the dramatic fall in the numbers, said: "When jobs are scarce the relationship becomes more tense. "The state of the economy makes people more anxious about their own opportunities and it could become more difficult for migrants." Conservative MP John Greenway, chair of the Council of Europe's migration committee and whose Ryedale constituency contains a greater percentage of migrants than any other in Yorkshire, said: "For the immigrants that are staying here there needs to be a greater effort of integration into communities – we have to get a strong grip on this." The warnings come as the centre-left Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank said a fixed cap on immigration could be a political own goal. Tory leader David Cameron has pledged to set a cap on net immigration but said the level should be decided each year according to economic need. Net immigration should be in the "tens of thousands rather than hundreds of thousands". But, in a new report, the IPPR warned that a cap of 40,000, as proposed by the Cross-Party Group on Balanced Migration, would mean "drastic changes" and would threaten both economic performance and the rights of British nationals and settled migrants to be with their families. MORE STORIES * Fire at derelict snooker club * Three charged over New Year murder * Council breaching revenue rules over VAT on fuel, report reveals * Man shot in Bradford * GPs take on extra Saturday hours * * * * * * * Jobs * Directory * Property * Motors JobsToday logo Search for a job * Keywords ____________________ * Location Leeds,Yorkshire_____ * Distance [This area__________] * Job Type [any_______________] Powered by jobs logo Search Directory logo Search the directory * Search For: (Plumber, Taxi, McDonalds...) ____________________ * Where? (Town, Country ...) 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Price [£150,000__] [£1,000___] Powered by zoopla logo Search MotorsToday logo Search for a car * Postcode: (e.g. DE12BH) * Please type the postcode as the example above ____________________ * Make: ____________________ * Model: ____________________ Powered by motors logo Search Tweets by @yorkshirepost Dynamic Dart Advertisement Special Features * Save money on bills this winter with free insulation from British Gas Dynamic Dart Advertisement Yorkshire Post Recommends IFRAME: 50f7db7d97b3b Back to the top of the page Close Send to a friend Your Friend's Name ____________________ Please enter a username Your Friend's e-mail Address ____________________ Please enter an email address Your Name ____________________ Please enter your username Your e-mail Address ____________________ Please enter your email address Your message ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Please enter a message We may provide your Email/IP Address to Law Enforcement Agencies if you misuse this facility (true) Send Close Report Your reason for report ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Please enter a message (true) Submit Search______________ Submit * News * Sport * Business * Weather * Place your Ad * Subscribe * Special Features * Deals * Shop * Holidays * Dating * Bingo * Buy A Photo Try the Yorkshire Post app for 30 days free! View the latest news and sport or download full editions of the newspaper to read offline. Search for Yorkshire Post in your Android or iOS app store today. Newspaper subscribers get free unlimited access to the app. Local news on the move Keep up to date with all the latest local news on your iPhone or Android phone with our mobile site. Visit this website on your mobile to start enjoying it on the move. Newsletter sign up Sign up Newsletter sign up ____________________ Sign up Contact us If you wish, you can contact us using any of the methods below. No 1 Leeds 26 Whitehall Road Leeds England West Yorkshire LS12 1BE Email: yp.newsdesk@ypn.co.uk Telephone: 0113 243 2701 * FAQs * Terms and Conditions * Disclaimer * Cookies Policy * Switch to Mobile Site All rights reserved © 2014 Johnston Publishing Ltd. Press Complaints Commission This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here. If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here. Yorkshire Post provides news, events and sport features from the Yorkshire area. For the best up to date information relating to Yorkshire and the surrounding areas visit us at Yorkshire Post regularly or bookmark this page. For you to enjoy all the features of this website Yorkshire Post requires permission to use cookies. (BUTTON) Allow Cookies Find Out More ▼ * What is a Cookie? * What is a Flash Cookie? * Can I opt out of receiving Cookies? * About our Cookies * Cookies are small data files which are sent to your browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome etc) from a website you visit. They are stored on your electronic device. * This is a type of cookie which is collected by Adobe Flash media player (it is also called a Local Shared Object) - a piece of software you may already have on your electronic device to help you watch online videos and listen to podcasts. * Yes there are a number of options available, you can set your browser either to reject all cookies, to allow only "trusted" sites to set them, or to only accept them from the site you are currently on. However, please note - if you block/delete all cookies, some features of our websites, such as remembering your login details, or the site branding for your local newspaper may not function as a result. * The types of cookies we, our ad network and technology partners use are listed below: + Revenue Science ► A tool used by some of our advertisers to target adverts to you based on pages you have visited in the past. To opt out of this type of targeting you can visit the 'Your Online Choices' website by clicking here. + Google Ads ► Our sites contain advertising from Google; these use cookies to ensure you get adverts relevant to you. You can tailor the type of ads you receive by visiting here or to opt out of this type of targeting you can visit the 'Your Online Choices' website by clicking here. + Webtrends / Google Analytics ► This is used to help us identify unique visitors to our websites. This data is anonymous and we cannot use this to uniquely identify individuals and their usage of the sites. + Dart for Publishers ► This comes from our ad serving technology and is used to track how many times you have seen a particular ad on our sites, so that you don't just see one advert but an even spread. 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Please click on the provider name to visit their opt-out page. #publisher UK news RSS feed Immigration and asylum RSS feed World news RSS feed European Union RSS feed Race issues RSS feed Romania RSS feed Europe RSS feed Bulgaria RSS feed Science RSS feed Agriculture RSS feed Politics RSS feed Conservatives RSS feed Comment is free RSS feed Turn autoplay off Turn autoplay on Please activate cookies in order to turn autoplay off * Jump to content [s] * Jump to comments [c] * Jump to site navigation [0] * Jump to search [4] * Terms and conditions [8] Edition: UK US AU * Your activity * Email subscriptions * Account details * Linked services Profile Mobile About us * About us, * Contact us * Press office * Guardian Print Centre * Guardian readers' editor * Observer readers' editor * Terms of service * Privacy policy * Advertising guide * Digital archive * Digital edition * Guardian Weekly * Buy Guardian and Observer photos Today's paper * Main section * G2 features * Comment and debate * Editorials, letters and corrections * Obituaries * Other lives * Sport * MediaGuardian * Subscribe Subscribe The Guardian home ____________________ Search * News * Sport * Comment * Culture * Business * Money * Life & style * Travel * Environment * Tech * TV * Video * Dating * Offers * Jobs * Comment is free Why fruit is picked by migrant workers The debate over the decision to scrap a seasonal workers' scheme cuts to the heart of an ambiguity in conservatism * Share * Tweet this * * [pin_it_button.png] * * Email * Richard Seymour * + Richard Seymour + + theguardian.com, Friday 13 September 2013 17.58 BST * Jump to comments (…) Romanian fruit pickers Migrant Romanian workers pick the last chardonnay grapes of the year in West Sussex. Photograph: Jason Alden/Rex Features The Tories, in what seems like a short-sighted concession to anti-immigrant politics, have scrapped a seasonal workers' scheme that allowed Romanian and Bulgarian workers to pick fruit and vegetables in the UK. The growers are outraged, naturally, as this scheme is a source of a healthy profit stream. Indeed, they were looking for a more relaxed migration policy, not a tighter one. Tory politicians in rural constituencies have taken up their cause, with Peter Luff MP suggesting that: "The experience of decades is that British workers don't want to do this work. They are temporary jobs." This sort of debate cuts to the heart of an ambiguity in conservatism: on the one hand, it blames UK workers for not being competitive enough while extolling the virtues of hard-working migrants; on the other hand, it blames immigration for undermining social cohesion and the dilution of national consensus. This argument goes beyond Britain. Wherever there is fruit to be picked, whether it is the United States, New Zealand, or Worcestershire, there are migrant workers. And the argument is heard that "indigenous" workers can't or won't subject themselves to such work. There is often a racial subtext, with the assumption being that migrant workers have a special capacity for the menial labour they perform. There was an opportunity to test this argument in Canada in the late 1990s, when the government embarked upon a punitive "Farmfare" programme for welfare recipients, who would be compelled to enlist for fruit-picking duties in rural Ontario. Opposition to this programme came predictably from trade unions and churches. But the growers also opposed it, preferring to use offshore workers. When it came down to it, their main argument was that offshore workers were more "disciplined" than Canadian welfare workers. The selection criteria for seasonal work programmes meant they were almost always poor, with a large number of dependants. (A similar pattern of selection was discovered in New Zealand's seasonal work programme.) These workers took badly paid, back-breaking work and they did it well because they had mouths to feed. Moreover, they were "there": living on or near the farms rather than travelling from cities. Farmfare candidates, on the other hand, were "undisciplined". Even if they could be trained up, their Canadian citizenship meant that they had too many alternatives to worry about being rehired. The racialised structures of global capitalism thus "disciplined" offshore workers, making them more timid, pliable and hard-working. Yet this is only part of the story. Key to this is the cost of labour. The above arguments imply that "indigenous" workers remain unemployed because they refuse to accept degraded work. But the case of fruit pickers in the UK illustrates what is wrong with that argument. A detailed report on seasonal workers in the UK indicates some distinctive features of this type of employment. The workers, largely from Romania and Bulgaria, are nominally paid the minimum wage, although the effective rate is far lower. They are given few hours each per week, perhaps up to 18, and they are accommodated collectively in portable buildings and caravans for which a deduction is made from their pay. There are a number of factors, then, that drive the cost of this labour down. First, the workers come from countries where the cost of living is lower than in Cambodia or the Dominican Republic, to give two examples. They can support dependants with far less in British pounds than they would need if they had to sustain a family in the UK. Second, their being housed collectively significantly depresses the cost of living, particularly as their accommodation consists of cramped, unliveable quarters. Third, while Bulgaria and Romania are members of the EU, they are subject to "temporary" restrictions on the right of citizens to travel by a number of countries, including the UK. This makes their situation propitious for special working arrangements, and particularly for seasonal, quota-based admission. And their precarious status means they have no choice but to accept lousy conditions. These are material conditions which have nothing to do with choices made by workers. There are few workers in the UK who, paying normal rent, transit and living costs, would be physically able to make a living on such work or support any dependants. This is why the typical pattern is that the availability of migrant workers creates new jobs in periods of growth. With the offer of cheap, disciplined labour, employers open up jobs they would otherwise not be able to sustain. This is a nasty, exploitative system: that's capitalism for you. However, the government's alternative of simply ending the scheme is no good for anyone except Ukip-loving reactionaries. After all, as Joan Robinson put it: "The misery of being exploited by capitalists is nothing compared to the misery of not being exploited at all." Daily Email close Sign up for the Guardian Today Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Sign up for the daily email * Print this Print this * Share * Contact us Send to a friend Close this popup Sender's name ____________________ Recipient's email address ____________________ Send Your IP address will be logged Share Close this popup Short link for this page: http://gu.com/p/3tmm8 * StumbleUpon * reddit * Tumblr * Digg * LinkedIn * Google Bookmarks * del.icio.us * livejournal * Facebook * Twitter Contact us Close this popup * Report errors or inaccuracies: userhelp@theguardian.com * Letters for publication should be sent to: letters@theguardian.com * If you need help using the site: userhelp@theguardian.com * Call the main Guardian and Observer switchboard: +44 (0)20 3353 2000 * + Advertising guide + License/buy our content Article history About this article Close this popup Why fruit is picked by migrant workers | Richard Seymour This article was published on the Guardian website at 17.58 BST on Friday 13 September 2013. UK news * Immigration and asylum World news * European Union · * Race issues · * Romania · * Europe · * Bulgaria Science * Agriculture Politics * Conservatives More from Comment is free on UK news * Immigration and asylum World news * European Union · * Race issues · * Romania · * Europe · * Bulgaria Science * Agriculture Politics * Conservatives * More on this story * Polish Builders for Channel 4 UK migrants no different to Brits abroad, says home office minister Jeremy Browne praises migrant contribution to UK economy and says Bulgarians and Romanians in UK follow same rules as Britons owning homes in the Dordogne or Marbella * Seasonal migrant workers scheme closes to help British into work * Home Office 'did not predict huge surge in immigration visas for entrepreneurs' * UK immigration: what if it stopped tomorrow? * Share * Tweet this * * * Email Comments Click here to join the discussion. 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BELFAST TELEGRAPH ARCHIVE Belfast: A town is born * Galleries Search ____________________ (BUTTON) Go Home› Local and National› UK› 'Be grateful' for immigrants' input Comments * Email * Print * Font Size /> Generous benefit payments in the UK leave thousands of low-paid jobs attractive to migrants, a Romanian government minister suggests 04 December 2013 Britain should be grateful that Romanians and Bulgarians will take jobs that its own workers refuse to do, a Romanian government minister has said. Also in this Section George Osborne insists Britain must make £25bn more welfare cuts in 2014 [TICON-A VIDEO] Kylie and Ricky set for Voice debut Jogger 'in nine-hour sex attack' Cameron migrant stance criticised Immigrants from the two countries will fill a gap in the workforce, taking on jobs in the agriculture and hospitality sectors from Britons who would rather live on benefits, Labour minister Mariana Campeanu told The Times. She also rebutted fears of a vast influx of migrants coming to claim benefits when EU working restrictions are lifted on January 1, saying the vast majority will take on necessary jobs such as nursing and social care. Suggesting that generous benefit payments in the UK leave thousands of low-paid jobs unfilled and attractive to migrants, Mr s Campeanu said: "I do not know in depth the British social welfare system, this is an internal issue of the British government how generous it can be in its welfare system towards its citizens. "This should maybe be a reason why many British people do not access the vacancies on the labour market for which Romanian citizens, for example, are going to apply. "If there are vacancies, somebody will fill them, whether they are from Romania, Italy, Spain or wherever... "Taking into account the fact that Romanian citizens in the UK contribute greatly to the GDP and also that many of these people are young and well-qualified, the UK should be grafetul that these people have come to live there." Mrs Campeanu said she backed Prime Minister David Cameron's plans to restrict benefits to migrants, and said she was working with the Department of Work and Pensions to crack down on fraudulent claims. She added that the loosening of EU restrictions on movement meant that well-qualified Romanians, such as doctors and nurses, were leaving the country in droves, causing a shortage of more than 20,000 workers in the medical sector. Yesterday London mayor Boris Johnson called for a benefits ban of up to a year and the retention of job restrictions on Bulgarians and Romanians. But Mrs Campeanu said the Conservatives should distance themselves from "racism and xenophobia". Download the Belfast Telegraph iPad App Download the Belfast Telegraph iPad App Most Read in this section 1. M1 embankment crash kills teenagers 2. Coalition split over Osborne cuts 3. Jogger 'in nine-hour sex attack' 4. Probe after baby born at warehouse 5. Jail disorder 'longer than thought' 6. Train Robber Biggs in parting shot 7. Heavy rain threatens more floods 8. Cameron urged not to dodge debates 9. Barristers stage legal aid protest 10. Profumo affair: Author believes desire not to upset royals is reason file is still secret Latest Comments Chancellor George Osborne gives a speech on the economy during his visit to manufacturing company Sertec, Coleshill in Birmingham. More in UK (1 of 20 articles) George Osborne insists Britain must make £25bn more welfare cuts in 2014 Read More Competitions The Scottish referendum on independence is due to take place in September 2014 Events calendar 2014 The big news stories over the next 12 months Fireworks light up the London skyline and Big Ben just after midnight on January 1, 2014 in London, England Happy New Year 2014 Mezzo soprano superstar Katherine Jenkins lights up the stage at this year's BBC Proms in the Park live from the Titanic Slipways in Belfast New Year Honours 2014 Katherine Jenkins among those recognised Snowboarder Aimee Fuller pictured on Belfast Lough. Pic Red Bull Rising stars of 2014 Who's set to hit the headlines next year? Northern Ireland- 26th December 2013 Mandatory Credit - Picture - Matt Mackey/Presseye.com Adam & Ann Armstrong Memorial Handicap Steeplechase won by Refused a Name with jockey John Joseph on board. Caira Trainor and Nicola Kelly In Pictures: Down Royal Races Piranha is regarded as the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world Piranha attack injures 70 Children lose fingers and toes during onslaught Delaney Brown died on Christmas Day Little girl dies on Christmas Day Video: 10,000 carol singers fulfil dying wish Ollies Christmas pictured anna McLatchey, Rachel Keown, Meadhbh hogg, Katherine O'Boyle, Katie McQuillan and anna Becks Nitelife: Christmas parties Spooky charactors entertain the crowds at the 2013 Halloween Metro Monster Mash organised by Belfast City Council and Translink, during a family event at the slipways, Titanic. Pic By Paul Moane/Aurora Northern Ireland news photos Photographs from Belfast, Northern Ireland A man takes a picture with his phone as Mount Sinabung spews pyroclastic smoke seen from Tigapancur village on November 24, 2013 in Karo district, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Photo by Ulet Ifansasti World in Pictures Striking images from around the globe Evening light on Ballintoy. Submitted by Evelyn McCullough (Portstewart). Favourite Ulster beauty spots Reader images: Send us your pictures Latest News Human remains 'fall from the sky' in Saudi Arabia new Human remains have reportedly fallen from the sky in the Saudi city of Jeddah, landing on the tarmac of a normally busy intersection at around 2.30am on Sunday. George Osborne insists Britain must make £25bn more welfare cuts in 2014 new George Osborne was accused of targeting the poor and vulnerable and sparing the rich as he outlined £25bn of new spending cuts, with half of them coming from the welfare budget. Chancellor George Osborne gives a speech on the economy during his visit to manufacturing company Sertec, Coleshill in Birmingham. 'The Wikipedia of medicine': Manchester medical student's notes become worldwide internet hit new A medical student who shared his notes online has found unexpected success after his popular website was voted by medical professionals as a global industry innovator. Tom Leach was recognised by the Health Service Journal as one of 2013's top innovators, alongside heavyweights such as Ben Goldacre and Sir Bruce Keogh. Latest Sport Johnson joins West Ham on loan new West Ham have announced the loan signing of defender Roger Johnson from Wolves for the remainder of the season. Roger Johnson has been brought in to bolster West Ham's injury-ravaged defence Walcott will be big miss - Parlour new Former Arsenal and England midfielder Ray Parlour believes Theo Walcott will be distraught after seeing his World Cup dream ended by a knee injury. Theo Walcott looks set to be sidelined for six months Makienok in no hurry over Fulham new Rene Meulensteen must map out Fulham's long-term Barclays Premier League future to convince Simon Makienok to move to Craven Cottage in January, according to the Brondby striker's agent. Rene Meulensteen could add to his squad in January Latest Showbiz Mental health nurse Nathan Filer wins Costa first novel prize with The Shock of the Fall new A mental health nurse, who prompted a bidding war for a debut novel which explored one man’s descent into mental illness, has won the Costa Book award for the best first time writer. Nathan Filer, 32, is a lecturer but also works in mental health Styles and Jenner hit the slopes Harry Styles and Kendall Jenner have fuelled romance rumours by kicking off the New Year on holiday together. Harry Styles has been spending time with Kendall Jenner Mel C stepping out with Greg Burns? 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See our Privacy & Cookie Policy * News + Northern Ireland + World + Politics + Health + Education + Environment * Business + News + Money + Help & Advice + People On The Move + Opinion + Company Profiles + Boosting Business * Sport + Football + Rugby + GAA + Golf + Motor Sport + Other Sports * Entertainment + News + Music and Gigs + Film and TV + Theatre and Arts + Eating Out + Horoscopes * Opinion * Woman * Life * Jobs * Property * Cars * Classifieds * Follow us on Facebook * Follow us on Twitter * Download our apps * Subscribe to our newsletters * Sitemap * Contact * Legal Terms & Policies * Media Pack * Group Websites * Plan My Ad Search ____________________ (BUTTON) Go Belfast Telegraph © Belfasttelegraph.co.uk INM Logo [seg?add=720649&t=2] * News * Sport * DebateNI * Business * Opinion * Entertainment * Woman * Lifestyle * Galleries * Google+ * Facebook * Twitter one pixel graphics IFRAME: //www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-W9SLGS Reuters * Edition: UK + Arabic + Argentina + Brazil + Canada + China + France + Germany + India + Italy + Japan + Latin America + Mexico + Russia + Spain + United States Search News & Quotes__________ Submit * Home * Business + Business Home + Technology + Economy + Media + DealZone + Entrepreneurial + Financial Regulatory Forum + Macroscope + Summits + Summit Notebook + Business Video + The Freeland File * Markets + Markets Home + UK Markets + Global Market Data + Indices + Deals + M&A + Quotes + FXpert + Currencies + Commodities + Funds + Global Investing + Analyst Research * World + World Home + US + India Insight + FaithWorld + World Video + Reuters Investigates + Africa + Decoder + Euro Zone + China + Japan + Russia * UK * Tech + Technology Home + MediaFile + Science + Tech Video + Tech Tonic * Money + Money Home + Analyst Research + Alerts + Watchlist + Portfolio + Fund Screener + Mark Miller + Linda Stern + John Wasik + James Saft + Personal Finance Video + Money Clip + Investing 201 * Opinion + Opinion Home + Felix Salmon + David Rohde + Nader Mousavizadeh + Nicholas Wapshott + Bethany McLean + Edward Hadas + Anatole Kaletsky + Alison Frankel + Zachary Karabell + Hugo Dixon + Lawrence Summers + The Great Debate + Reihan Salam + Mark Leonard + Steven Brill * Breakingviews + Equities + Credit + Private Equity + M&A + Macro & Markets + Politics + Breakingviews Video * Sports + Cricket + Rugby + Formula One + Tennis + Golf + Left Field * Life + Lifestyle Home + Health + Arts + Entertainment + Oddly Enough + Cancer in Context + Lifestyle Video * Pictures + Pictures Home + Reuters Photographers + Full Focus * Video + Reuters TV + Reuters News * Article * Comments (1) Recent immigrants to UK pay in more than they take in benefits - study By Costas Pitas LONDON Tue Nov 5, 2013 1:59pm GMT 1 Comments * Tweet Link this Share this By Costas Pitas LONDON (Reuters) - Recent immigrants to Britain pay more in taxes than they take out in benefits, a study on the impact of immigration said on Tuesday, and another study argued the influx of skilled immigrants was correlated to an... Email Print LONDON (Reuters) - Recent immigrants to Britain pay more in taxes than they take out in benefits, a study on the impact of immigration said on Tuesday, and another study argued the influx of skilled immigrants was correlated to an increase in productivity. Anti-immigration feeling in Britain has been fuelled recently by warnings in the right-leaning media about new arrivals of so-called benefit-scrounging immigrants claiming state handouts and free healthcare. According to a wide-ranging study based on data from the Office for National Statistics' Labour Force Survey, immigrants arriving from euro-area countries between 2001 and 2011 paid 34 percent more in tax than they received in benefits, while those from other countries paid in about two percent more than they took out. All immigrants were 45 percent less likely to claim from the state than "native", British-born citizens, the report showed. "If you look at those immigrants who came after 1999, both EA (Euro Area) and non-EA immigrants have made a positive fiscal contribution," Christian Dustmann, co-author of the report from University College London, told Reuters. "Over the same period, native-born individuals basically took more out of the welfare system than they put in, in terms of taxes." Prime Minister David Cameron has made immigration policy an important plank of his government in the face of the perceived threat that the UK Independence Party (UKIP) is siphoning off support ahead of a parliamentary election in 2015. UKIP, which campaigns for Britain to leave the EU and for a halt to "open door" immigration, made sweeping gains in local elections in May, winning almost one in four votes, mostly at the expense of Cameron's Conservatives. Census data shows nearly four million migrants settled in England and Wales between 2001 and 2011 against a total population of 56.1 million, the vast majority of Britain's estimated current population of 63.7 million. Cameron has pledged to slash net migration - currently at 176,000 a year - to the "tens of thousands" by 2015. A report from a leading macroeconomic think-tank, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), argued there was a "positive and significant association" between higher employment of migrants and productivity. The NIESR's research, which included interviews with employers and focus groups as well as data analysis, showed employers see migrant workers as generally more highly skilled than British-born workers and able to fill gaps in the labour market. The report associated a 10 percent increase in immigrant share in employment between 1997 and 2007 with a 0.6 to 0.9 percent increase in productivity during the period, but said further research was needed to establish the causal relationship between the two. "While employers see skilled migration as most important in meeting their needs, this was at odds with the public's image of a migrant worker as in low skilled, low paid work." The report also said employers saw immigrants as a way of adding to their skillset in the workplace rather than a way of replacing British-born workers. Britain's Conservative-led government has sought to cut overall immigration whilst encouraging high-skilled workers from economies such as India and China. Cameron's spokesman said on Sunday the government had scrapped a plan to force people from certain African and Asian countries to pay a cash bond in return for a visitor's visa to deter them overstaying. (Editing by Sonya Hepinstall) FILED UNDER: UK David Cameron IFRAME: http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fuk.reuters.c om%2Farticle%2F2013%2F11%2F05%2Fuk-britain-migrants-idUKBRE9A40MD201311 05&layout=standard&show_faces=false&width=450&action=recommend&colorsch eme=light&height=35 * Tweet this * Link this * Share this * Digg this * Email * Print * Reprints We welcome comments that advance the story through relevant opinion, anecdotes, links and data. If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters. For more information on our comment policy, see http://blogs.reuters.com/fulldisclosure/2010/09/27/toward-a-more-though tful-conversation-on-stories/ Comments (1) Raymond.Vermont wrote: Who are these recent immigrants and what are their numbers? Usual example of `vague' being employed by the centrist liberal apologists, for turning the country into a socially re-engineered non entity of a province of Federal Europe. Presumably non `recent' immigrants are the ones whom have given immigrants a bad image... Possibly the same ones that festoon our once green and pleasant lands with completely alien looking structures, (somehow granted planning approvals) in order to worship the cult of Eastern warlordism? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKaJ4b0XYmI Nov 05, 2013 9:41pm GMT -- Report as abuse This discussion is now closed. We welcome comments on our articles for a limited period after their publication. See All Comments >> Read 1. Singapore Airlines A380 in emergency landing in Azerbaijan, no injuries 10:23am GMT 2. Merkel breaks pelvis as her new German coalition bickers 4:38pm GMT 3. Osborne wants more welfare cuts, provoking coalition row | Video 6:40pm GMT 4. Analysis: Euro zone - reasons to be wary in 2014 6:24am GMT 5. 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Benefits to registering with us comment on stories Comment on stories Customise daily e-mail newsletters Customise daily e-mail newsletters Arrange your newspaper/digital subscriptions online Arrange your newspaper/digital subscriptions online Offers, promotions and deals from partners Offers, promotions and deals from partners * Monday 6th January 2014 * * * weather-icon Light showers 7°C / 10°C Edinburgh 5-day weather forecast CloseX Tuesday 7 Jan Light rain Temp High 10°c Low 6°c Wind From South west Speed 24 mph Wednesday 8 Jan Sunny spells Temp High 9°c Low 3°c Wind From South west Speed 15 mph Thursday 9 Jan Light showers Temp High 7°c Low 4°c Wind From West Speed 15 mph Friday 10 Jan Sunny spells Temp High 7°c Low 3°c Wind From South west Speed 15 mph Saturday 11 Jan Cloudy Temp High 6°c Low 2°c Wind From South west Speed 9 mph * Scotland * UK * World * Politics * Transport * Education * Sci-Tech * Environment * Health * Celebrity * Odd * Opinion * Obituaries * Top stories * Edinburgh, East & Fife * Glasgow & West * North East * Tayside & Central * Inverness & Highlands * South * Top stories * Scottish independence * Columnists * Friends of The Scotsman * Leader Comment * Letters * Cartoon [uk;pgid=12962534;sz=2x2;ord=[timestamp]?] Dynamic Dart Advertisement Picks of the day * Gary Locke’s job safe says Hearts administrator * Exploring Islay’s farm-based Kilchoman Distillery * Travel Tales * Lost Edinburgh: The City Walls * 100 Weeks of Scotland: After Hogmanay * Ex-manager puts Graeme Obree’s bike up for sale * Manchester City Break for Two from £49! Discover The Most ... * Viewed * Discussed * 1 Rumour Mill: Finnbogason | Samaras | Kris Boyd * 2 Burger King recalls 'sacrilegious' desserts * 3 Scottish independence: Poll backs more devolution * 4 Comment: Locke puts McCoist claims in perspective * 5 Scottish independence: PM urges emotional case * 1 Ally McCoist attacks ‘unfair’ SPFL scheduling * 2 ‘Independence white paper should scare Scots’ * 3 Celtic: 12 transfer targets, says Neil Lennon * 4 Rumour Mill: Fletcher to Celtic? | Trezeguet | Hibs * 5 Voters to SNP: give us extra childcare now Migrant children ‘being failed by Britain’ The UK is failing migrant children, according to a new report. Picture: PA The UK is failing migrant children, according to a new report. Picture: PA * by JAMIE GRIERSON Published on the 12 June 2013 00:00 Published 12/06/2013 00:00 8 comments Print this BRITAIN is falling short of obligations set out under international law for dealing with migrant children who arrive in the country without parents or relatives, a group of parliamentarians has warned. Immigration concerns are too often given priority over the protection of unaccompanied migrant children, including abuse victims and those who have fled conflict, the Joint Committee on Human Rights found. The committee said the UK is, as a result, failing to meet the terms of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a treaty bound by international law. It calls on the government not to return children to Afghanistan or Iraq while conflict and humanitarian concerns persist. In 2012, about 1,200 such children sought asylum in the UK, and some 2,150 unaccompanied migrant children were being cared for by local authorities. Committee chairman Dr Hywel Francis MP said: “Unaccompanied migrant children in the asylum and immigration processes are some of the most vulnerable young people in the United Kingdom. “They have often fled conflict situations abroad or have been victims of abuse and exploitation, including those who arrive as victims of trafficking. “It is crucial that they are supported effectively. We do not find it satisfactory that immigration concerns are too often given priority when dealing with such children. In doing so, the UK is falling short of the obligations it owes to such children under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.” Children who had often had traumatic journeys faced intensive interviews on arrival for which there were too rarely interpreting facilities available, the committee said. There was also evidence of children being placed in inappropriate accommodation without suitably trained staff. The committee, made up of MPs and peers, said a lack of support was “starkly” demonstrated by the “culture of disbelief” about the age of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. It found that the age of unaccompanied migrant children is too often disputed, putting their welfare and best interests at risk. The group has called for a change in emphasis to put the best interests of unaccompanied migrant children at the heart of the complex and stressful asylum and immigration processes affecting them. The committee’s report also said decisions on children’s futures are too often delayed until they approach adulthood, leaving children uncertain about what their futures will hold. It wants the government to set up pilot programmes to appoint guardians for unaccompanied migrant children to fight for their best interests and offer them support. Kamena Dorling, co-chair of the Refugee Children’s Consortium, said: “Unaccompanied refugee and migrant children have often been through experiences unimaginable to most of us. “They are alone in the UK with no-one to care for them. The committee’s report is a timely reminder that the UK is still failing to meet its legal obligations to these children.” A Home Office spokeswoman said: “The UK takes its international responsibilities to children seriously and their welfare is at the heart of every decision made. “Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are always given individual support and reassurance from those in social services and immigration.” MORE STORIES * Severe weather set to ease off as storm passes * Naked Rambler jailed for 16 months for ASBO breach * Winter Olympics: Team GB ‘need security assurance’ * Spare parts for fighter jets made by 3D printers * Brain tumour diagnosis too slow, campaigners say * * * * * * Comments * Jobs * Directory * Property * Motors JobsToday logo Search for a job * Keywords ____________________ * Location Edinburgh,Midlothian * Distance [This area__________] * Job Type [any_______________] Powered by jobs logo Search Directory logo Search the directory * Search For: (Plumber, Taxi, McDonalds...) ____________________ * Where? 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Please click on the provider name to visit their opt-out page. #Cameron faces OAP benefits battle By using this site you agree to the use of cookies for analytics, personalized content and ads Learn More (BUTTON) Skip to content * Make MSN UK your homepage * * * Sign in msn news * Web * MSN News ____________________ web search Submit * home * uk * world * features * video clips Report downplays new migrant impact Eric Pickles admits the Government has no idea about the size of the possible influx of Romanian and Bulgarian migrants 05/04/2013 By pa.press.net SHARE TWEET EMAIL Fears that an influx of Romanians and Bulgarians to Britain will put a strain on public services have been downplayed in an independent report published by the Foreign Office. But the number that may arrive on UK shores after immigration restrictions are lifted next year remains unpredictable, according to the study by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR). Schools were likely to take much of the strain but the effect on the NHS, the housing sector and the welfare system will be less pronounced, it said. Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union in 2007 but under "transitional arrangements" workers from the two countries were prevented from travelling to the UK. According to a British Labour Force sample survey, there are currently 26,000 Bulgarians and 80,000 Romanians living in the UK, but the actual numbers could be larger, according to the report. Last month, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles admitted the Government had "no idea" about the size of the possible influx. Yet to begin with at least, the impact on public services will be modest, with the strain only potentially increasing if Romanian and Bulgarian migrants choose to settle in the UK on a long-term basis. Families migrating from the two countries could put pressure on primary school places and although migrant children do not bring school performance down, language assistance will need to be provided. But initially future migrants are likely to be young, low-skilled workers who do not have families, the report said. Because most migrants will be young - mainly under 35 - and healthy, they will have a minimal impact on the health service, it said. The report said the effect on housing is highly dependent on whether migrants settle in the long term, but evidence from local surveys showed that Romanians and Bulgarians are interested in coming to the UK, but it is not a favoured destination and many are interested in temporary stays rather than long-term moves. Romanian and Bulgarian migrants are likely to be low-skilled workers - employed in construction, catering, hospitality and as carers or cleaners, the report said. Currently, the main destinations for Romanian and Bulgarian migrants are Spain and Italy, and to a lesser extent Germany, the NIESR research found. Spain and Italy in particular are favoured because of similarities in language, and may continue to be favoured due to the presence of social and economic networks in those countries. But with the economic situation in southern European countries precarious, that may change. Home Affairs Select Committee chairman Keith Vaz described the report as "helpful" but said it contained no estimates of expected arrivals. He added: "It would be helpful if Theresa May visited Romania and Bulgaria to gauge the reasons why their citizens would choose to migrate to the UK." The minister for Europe, David Lidington, welcomed the report as a contribution to the debate on migration. "The report will help to shape this Government's work to build an immigration system which works in the national interest - supporting the UK economy by continuing to attract the brightest and the best global talent at the same time as protecting our public services and ensuring our welfare system is not open to abuse," he said. "Our tough new rules are already taking effect, with overall net migration falling by almost one third since 2010." 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Cookies FAQs. x [ADTECH;cookie=info;loc=300;grp=1153794;] * Edition: UK * Edition: US Sky News Weather ____________________ Search Follow Sky News on: Facebook Twitter Google Sky News HD Watch Sky News Live 06 January 2014 Home UK World US Business Politics Technology Entertainment Strange News Weather Unemployed Migrants: '600,000 Living In UK' Details of the numbers who have come from around the EU without employment emerge as a poll finds most back an early referendum. 8:26am UK, Sunday 13 October 2013 The European flag The survey shows British voters want early referendum on Europe * Tweet * IFRAME: //www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.sky.com% 2Fstory%2F1153792&send=false&layout=button_count&width=120&show_fac es=false&action=recommend&colorscheme=light&font=arial&height=21 * * Email More than 600,000 unemployed migrants from across the European Union are living in the UK, according to a survey seen by The Sunday Telegraph. The 291-page report - commissioned by the Brussels commissioner for employment and social inclusion, Laszlo Andor - found there were 611,779 "non-active" EU migrants in the UK last year compared with 431,687 in 2006 - a 42% increase. The total number of jobless migrants is greater than the population of Glasgow. While between 2005 and 2006 the growth of non-active EU migrants in the UK stagnated, since 2006 it has been steadily rising, the report said. Immigration UK Week Promo The newspaper said the number of people arriving without employment had increased by 73% in the three years to 2011. It said the figures meant the annual cost to the National Health Service amounted to -L-1.5bn. The details emerged as a poll indicated there was strong public support for an early referendum on withdrawing from the European Union. The opinion poll for the Mail On Sunday found more than half of voters want a referendum on the UK's membership before the next election. While nearly two-thirds support a vote in the Commons on the issue as early as next month, almost half said they would vote to quit the EU if a poll went ahead in 2014. Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to hold a referendum by 2017, but has dismissed the idea of holding it before the next general Election in 2015. Boris Johnson has said he would like to see a longer waiting time between migrants arriving in the UK and being able to claim benefits. Speaking to Sky's Dermot Murnaghan, the London mayor said: "We're aware of the issues that will arise on January 1, 2014, but the UK is still a country and a society that over a long period has benefited from talented people come to work here." * Related Stories * Murnaghan Programme: Live Updates * Tory MP Adam Afriyie Wants Early EU Referendum * EU Referendum: MPs Unanimously Back Bill * CBI Survey Shows Firms Want UK To Stay In EU [ADTECH;cookie=info;loc=300;grp=1153794;] [ADTECH;cookie=info;loc=300;grp=1153794;] Top Stories Tractor pushes a Mercedes car out of flood water Villages Cut Off By Floods In Storm-Battered UK A lone tree stands in flood water from the river Arun, near Arundel, West Sussex Live Updates: New Flood Warnings And Alerts Richard Newton has been banned from driving for a year after being filmed behind the wheel with his hands on his head. 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