Migrant Workers Network
Migrant workers are people who come from other countries to work in the UK. Migrant workers include seasonal workers, full-time and part-time employees, and contract or self-employed workers.
They are protected by UK employment laws and have the right to be paid annual leave and statutory sick pay.
Migrant workers working in the UK should receive equal pay to British workers doing the same job and must be paid at least the national minimum wage.
Where to find support as a migrant worker within UNISON:
- For employment law queries: Contact us
- Immigration-related support:
UNISON members can access free immigration advice through a partnership with the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI).
👉 Call UNISONdirect on 0800 0857 857 to request an appointment.
If you’re unsure whether your issue is immigration-related, please email the South East regional network for advice:
📧 SE.migrantworkers@unison.co.uk
Our branch is building our own Migrant Workers Network: with the aim of creating a safe space for migrant workers to connect, share information, and organise around the issues they face.
If you are interested in joining our network, please email our Migrant Workers’ Officers: migrantworkers@surreycountyunison.org.uk
Know your rights:
https://www.unison.org.uk/get-help/knowledge/vulnerable-workers/migrant-workers/
You may also wish to join the UNISON National Migrant Worker Network:
The UNISON Migrant Worker Network is an informal network of UNISON members with a first generation immigrant background including overseas and migrant workers, EU settled status workers and workers who have subsequently naturalised as British citizens or who have indefinite leave to remain.
The goals of the network include:
- Support members to uphold existing rights.
- Encourage union participation, activism and leadership
- Share organising key lessons and best practice
- Build solidarity across the union
- Campaign for fairer visa rules
Joining the network will enable UNISON to target advice, support and information more effectively for migrant worker members. UNISON will not share your information with any other organisation