Migrant
workers | | Migrant
workers - hunting for seasonal work |
Every summer Herefordshire
becomes home to thousands of migrant workers on the hunt for seasonal work. This
year that figure rose to an estimated 25,000. For the workers it is an opportunity
to earn a bit of extra cash. For the employers it meets their demand for
manual seasonal work. But this summer, this quiet corner of the Midlands
made the headlines when Europe's biggest strawberry grower was singled out for
criticism. S&A Davies were criticised for the poor pay and conditions
that workers were given and the row is far from over. In terms of poor pay
and accommodation, they made the following statement in response to these criticisms:
"Finally, we comprehensively refute any allegations of
exploitation. "We have internally investigated such allegations and
we are satisfied that they are completely unfounded."
We
want your views... Should the big fruit growing companies be
inviting so many foreign workers into the country聟 or are those people who
object to short-term immigration just being small minded? Send your views
to 麻豆社 Hereford and Worcester by emailing katie.johnson@bbc.co.uk Your
e-mails will form the basis of a radio debate hosted by Katie.
Let us
know what you think, then listen on 104, 104.4, 104.6 or 94.7 FM between 9.30am
and 12.30pm to hear your views live on 麻豆社 Hereford and Worcester Radio on Tuesday
September 19.
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听听Inside
Out - West Midlands: Monday September 18, 2006
