Unite, Britain and Ireland’s largest union, has launched a specialist helpline to assist migrant workers concerned about immigration issues as the UK leaves the European Union.
The helpline, which is operated by Unite legal services, has been introduced to provide Unite members, who are concerned about Brexit and what effect it will have on their right to live and work in the UK, with advice on their legal options.
Unite members seeking assistance will need to call the dedicated helpline number on 0333 323 1291 (calls charged at local rates). Once it has been confirmed that they are a Unite member, they will then be transferred to one of Unite legal services’ immigration experts.
While the government’s botched Brexit deal fails to deliver any real clarity for EU nationals working in the UK, there are certain steps that can be taken in anticipation, and Unite legal services are providing this helpline to assist members with this.
Howard Beckett, Unite assistant general secretary for legal services said: “Unite has established this vitally needed service for our members who have been left increasingly confused and distressed as a result of the chaos caused by the government’s lack of preparation for Brexit.
“Migrant workers who are contributing to the UK’s prosperity and in key services like our NHS are being forced to scrabble around piecing together information about whether or not they can continue to work in the UK.
“The government’s treatment of migrant workers, many of whom now feel that they are no longer welcome in the UK is nothing short of disgraceful.
“Unite’s helpline is designed to cut through the government’s indifference and inaction by providing the clear and concise information that our members who are originally from outside the UK desperately need.”
