Many migrant workers contributing to the NI economy face accommodation challenges
Managing town centres is a problem across Northern Ireland and each town has its general and specific issues.
Below are two basic profiles of regional towns, Downpatrick and Coleraine. In Downpatrick Kieran Fitzpatrick discusses aspects of life for the migrant population regarding housing, and Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald encourages entrepreneurs to help vacant premises get ‘Back in Business’ while talking to two businesses in Coleraine writes Jim Masson.
Hopefully this comparative article will help throw light on current issues facing employers and local communities and the many migrant workers now living in our midst, some of whom may be living in poor quality accommodation.
And as a starter for the discussion, I’ve added a comment from my own experience as a migrant worker in the 70s!
Editorial comment from Jim Masson on his work experience in Germany in the 70s
Back in the early 70s as a student wanting to learn to speak German, I worked on a farm and then in a tyre factory in Hannover for almost 6 months. There were a number of hostels dotted around the city accommodating the many foreign workers who were driving German prosperity, the’ ‘Wunderwirstshaft’.
These hostels were built by the state and respected charities and churches, and some by employers, and these hostels provided safe and comfortable space for the migrant workers from across Europe and beyond.
I lived for that length of time enjoying my stay there and made friends with Ibos and Punjabis and many other races and nationalities and this experience helped shape my world-view (Weltanschauung) away from the cultural myopia of having lived on the fringe of the Atlantic ocean seaboard not mixing with different cultures, languages and other races.
This was a huge education for me. And the foreign worker dynamic was a key driving force of German industry… and still is today.
And recently when I covered the Shrigley 200 celebrations on Down News, one point stood out. Shrigley was a small community in dire deprivation in the early part of the 20th century, then Jewish tanners escaped the clutches of Nazi Germany in the 1930s and set up a tannery in Shrigley and the village found full employment and prosperity.
And the utter disgrace of allowing the Nazis to exterminate Jews and other groups in Europe during the war was a result of flawed pseudo-scientific thinking. I visited Aschwitz-Birkenau prison extermination camps in 2017 after completing a good relations course and it had a lasting impression on me.
So every small step we can take now – together – will help stem the tide of extremism in our society from the bottom up and top down. It will pave the way for a more harmonious society and a more prosperous one.
But managing this reality is something we need to look at through the spectacles of joined up government as much as letting go some of our pre-conceived ideas of ‘outsiders’.
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Some Migrant Workers Living In A Poor Standard Housing Says Downpatrick Estate Agent
Downpatrick Estate Agent Kieran Fitzpatrick speaking to Down News said: “It is the responsibility of key employers in the Downpatrick area to help provide accommodation for their workers.
“In light of the on-going situation where migrant workers are being forced to live in sub-standard, upper floor flats in the town centre above shops, it is imperative that we address this issue.
“The contribution of the migrant workers are imperative to the local economy. They deserve to live in conditions that reflect their hard work and dedication to local businesses.
“The current state of housing, particularly the sub-standard accommodations being offered, is simply unacceptable. These conditions not only undermine the dignity of the workers but also tarnish the reputation of the town.
“‘I would urge all industrial businesses in Downpatrick and in neighbouring towns to ensure workers, regardless o ftheir origin, are provided with clean, safe and and suitable living space.
“This includes options to create purpose-built accommodation or investing in the renovation of existing housing stock to meet basic standards of health and safety.
‘”We believe that by taking these steps employers can foster a more supportive environment for their workforce ultimately leading to greater job satisfaction and productivity.
“It is not just a matter of legal compliance but of moral responsibility.”
Kieran Fitzpatrick added saying: “Let us work together to ensure that all members of our community including those who have come from abroad to support our industries, are treated with the respect and care they deserve.”
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Finance Minister helps promote Back In Business Scheme on a visit to Coleraine
Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald after a visit to Coleraine called on anyone planning to start or expand their business by setting up in a long-term vacant property to avail of the Back in Business scheme.
The Minister was speaking as she visited two businesses who successfully applied for the rates support scheme which aims to attract new businesses onto High Streets and town centres.
Following the relaunch of the scheme in May 2024, 17 businesses have now benefitted from a 50% rates discount for up to two years, after moving into premises previously used for retail purposes that have been unoccupied for 12 months or more.
Visiting Hare and Hawthorn Ltd and Causeway Craft and Coffee in Coleraine, Minister Archibald welcomed the addition of both businesses to the high street, saying: “We all want to see our town centres and shopping areas thrive.
“That’s why I’m delighted to visit two new businesses in the heart of Coleraine who are helping to bring vibrancy, footfall and investment back into the high street.
“Both Hare and Hawthorn Ltd and Causeway Craft and Coffee Ltd are at the beginning of their business journeys.
“The Back in Business scheme will not only provide them with financial support with a reduction on their rates bill for the first two years, it also helps give a new lease of life back into premises that had been vacant for a long time.
“And it supports the regeneration of Coleraine’s town centre and helping increase footfall for other traders in the area.
“I would urge anyone starting a business or expanding their existing business to consider setting up in an empty unit and avail of the rate support on offer through the scheme.”
Welcoming the Finance Minister to their premises Jennifer McCullagh, Emma Thorpe and Claire McDowell owners of Hare and Hawthorn Ltd said: “Setting up a new business is costly and the Back in Business scheme has been a welcome and unexpected benefit with our business planning.
“I would encourage potential business owners to take the scheme into consideration when looking at premises for their new ventures.”
Diane Malcolmson, owner of Causeway Craft and Coffee Ltd based in the Diamond Centre Coleraine, said: “Receiving the Back in Business support scheme will provide me with much needed financial assistance during the start of my new business journey.
“I would recommend anyone thinking about opening a new business to look into the scheme, as it could help with the financial decision on getting the premises you really desired.”
The Back in Business scheme is open to all business types and applications can be made online. Further information on how to apply can be found at:
CHECK OUT: www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/back-in-business
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