11 March 2009
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has submitted evidence to the UK Border Agency calling for the abolition of the Worker Registration Scheme (WRS). Under this scheme migrants from A8 accession states such as Poland and Slovenia who come to live and work in Northern Ireland must complete a continuous period of 12 months registered work. Those who do not meet the strict requirements of the scheme are denied access to essential services such as homelessness support and welfare benefits. The Commission has found that this is leading to severe hardship and suffering.
NIHRC Chief Commissioner Monica McWilliams commented:
“The Human Rights Commission has serious concerns about this scheme. Through our investigations work we have found that its effects can lead to violations of the right to life and the right to be free from inhuman and degrading treatment. The Worker Registration Scheme is due to end on 31 April 2009 and the Commission urges government not to extend it.”
The Commission has found examples of human rights abuses which are a direct result of the scheme, including victims of domestic violence being prevented from accessing accommodation and benefits. In such cases women are being forced to choose between extreme poverty and remaining in potentially deadly relationships. The Commission has also encountered a number of people forced to sleep rough on the streets of Northern Ireland having being denied access to temporary accommodation.
Monica McWilliams added:
“The Commission is concerned about the denial of services to victims of domestic violence and recommends greater access to protection and support for these victims. It is clear that greater flexibility is needed to ensure that people who are unable to fully comply with the scheme, for example as a result of injury or illness, can access services that are needed in order to avoid destitution.”
The Human Rights Commission will publish its investigation report in June 2009. The report will highlight the human rights concerns in relation to non UK national’s access to public funds.
Further information
For further information, please contact Claire Martin, Press and Public Affairs Worker: (028) 9024 3987.
Notes to editors
- The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory body first proposed in the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement (1998) and established in 1999 by the Northern Ireland Act (1998).
- The Commission’s evidence to the UK Border Agency is available to download here.
- The Worker Registration Scheme is due to end on 31 April 2009; however the government can extend the scheme for 2 years if there are “serious disturbances to the labour market”.
- In the event that government chooses to extend the Worker Registration Scheme, the Commission’s evidence includes a number of recommendations for reform. Among the recommendations made the Commission calls for clear, accessible information to be made available to workers and employers about the scheme.
- The Commission also urges the government to review the current £90 registration fee for the scheme, which can equate to almost half the monthly salary of a person coming from an A8 accession state.
- In addition to submitting evidence to the UK Border Agency, the Commission will also be raising concerns at the United Nations about the Worker Registration Scheme and broader issues around access to public funds. The UK is due to be examined under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on 13 May 2009. The NIHRC will be submitting a report to the UN Committee which will assist them in their evaluation of the UK Government’s compliance with the treaty.
- A8 nationals are persons from:
· The Czech Republic
· Estonia
· Hungary
· Latvia
· Lithuania
· Poland
· Slovakia
· Slovenia.
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