Migrant workers fill a gap

Letter to the Shields Gazette

If the British National Party and its supporters keep writing to the Gazette – I refer to last Thursday's letter headlined What's wrong with the BNP? – then be sure someone will reply with a warning to the voters of South Tyneside not to vote for a party with a disgusting history of racism and bigotry.

Migrant workers are here legally. The Government stresses that they have been filling gaps in the labour market, mainly at the low-paid end of the market, at between the minimum wage of £5.10 and £6 per hour.

The Home office's accession monitoring report for 2004 to 2006 gives a very different picture of migrant workers than that of stealing jobs and not paying taxes.

The department of Trade and Industry states that all migrant workers must pay tax on income and be issued with a national insurance number, thus contributing further to benefits for all of us.Far from increasing pressure on the National Health Service, migrant workers contribute to it, not only via their taxes, but also by joining the NHS workforce.

As a lifelong trade unionist, I believe an injury to one is an injury to all.

It does not become those who want to represent the people of South Tyneside to attack fellow workers trying to make a decent living.

Stand shoulder to shoulder with workers wherever they come from and turn your back on the BNP as it will only create conflict and division.

Alan Newham

Shields Gazette