EU report highlights the precarious working conditions for migrants

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The report published by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), was researched and written by the European Risk Observatory (ERO) and analyses issues related to occupational safety and health of migrant workers.

The overview of migrant workers is complex. Migrants can be found concentrated in some high skill sectors such IT. However, the many migrants are employed in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, construction, healthcare, transport and the food sector. This may be because of labour shortages as well as language and legal barriers or discrimination.

According to the report, a significant number of migrants are subject to uncertainty, poor working conditions, and low wages. Migrant workers are often over-qualified to be employed in low-skilled jobs frequently characterised by longer working hours, higher occupational instability, and physically demanding activities. They may have little knowledge of their employment rights, experience harassment, and high rates of stress burnout.

It is estimated that in the nine largest economies of the former EU15 between 4.4 and 5.5 million immigrants are working in the “informal economy”, although precise data about undeclared employment is still not available. There are serious health concerns for undeclared workers as they often do not have access to occupational health care services and lack the legal protection mechanisms for employees in dangerous occupations. The few studies carried out on safety and health of undeclared workers suggest that they are under-reported in statistics and that they are likely to endure very poor working conditions.

For further information

OSHA report on migrant workers