Domestic and Care Workers and Migration
The Salvation Army EU Affairs Office recently attended a round table event on Domestic and Care Workers and Migration organised by PICUM (Platform for international cooperation on undocumented migrants). Discussions centred around exploitation of migrants and protection of workers in the domestic and care workers sector, many of which are women particularly but not exclusively who are either exploited or trafficked without adequate protection, or in some cases of undocumented migrants no protection. Organisers of the event PICUM called for a number of changes including the recognition of work as work, better recognition of skills, a voucher system for migrants, labour standards which apply to informal workers, and access to homelessness services for undocumented migrants.
Reflecting on the conclusions of this event, The Salvation Army might consider;
- How do we inform clients/residents of their rights in the labour market and where to access complaints procedures
- Do we need to increase our capacity to provide accommodation for undocumented migrants particularly women?
- Do we need to have a pro-active policy to employ undocumented migrants?