Migrant worker numbers ‘fall in Ireland’

The number of migrant workers from outside the EU employed in the Republic of Ireland has fallen by 41 per cent in just one year, it is reported.

According to the Irish times, this trend may be due in part to the government’s introduction of new restrictions on issuing work permits, teamed with the impact of the recession.

As a result of the decline, the news provider reports that many rights groups for migrant workers are noting an increase in the number of undocumented immigrants.

Furthermore, a growing number of such workers are finding themselves destitute, it added.

Dara Calleary, minister of state for labour affairs, said: “Obviously, our own unemployment figures are still very severe. We are above 12 per cent unemployment and so we have to make sure that our own labour market is compatible with the current situation.”

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills recently announced the creation of the Dynamic Response Team, a new group which is set to tackle the problem of employers who do not pay the minimum wage and particularly how this affects migrant workers.