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ISSN No. 1751-1909 Blackbright News Magazine Registered Office Studio 57 LU2 0QG Tel: 01582 721 605

- Editorial: What to do when someone dies unexpectedly - Where to go when you need advice?

email: blackbrightnews@gmail.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

- Shell-Shocked Britain - Excellent Tips by Warren Buffet - Perceptions & Experiences of Counselling by Blacks and Asians

Founder & Managing Editor Myrna Loy Logo: Flo Alowaja Photos taken from Google Images Graphic Design: M Loy For previous issues go to: www.issuu.com/blackbrightnews

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- Supporting Child Migrants Rights

- Housing Pathways of New Migrants

- Meatworkers Abused Inquiry

- Did you know...?

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Is Death the Only Way to be Taken Seriously?

EDITORIAL Gone are the days when you can get someone on the other end of the phone; and when you do, it is quite rare to find the person you need to talk to without getting the runaround first.

There have been many times when I have tried to get through to service when I have felt desperate only to get a voicemail or I am transferred from one person to another. I have sat there so frustrated thinking - do I have to die before they take me seriously?

When I lived in America, I found service representatives so blase. For instance, I was in a car accident where my knee was badly damaged. Luckily I was with my cousin who had comprehensive Blue Cross Blue Shield Coverage that covered the cost of everything but I remember going to the counter, with blood gushing from my knee feeling traumatised as the receptionist asked my cousin so many questions before looking in my direction.

The lack of empathy within the health service seems to have entered the UK now, especially if anyone is reporting to A&E for the first time, but instead of asking about the validity of insurance cover, they ask for your address; phone number, age, ethnicity, if you speak any languages, your blood type, your religion, if you’re a smoker if you are taking any medication, if you have any disabilities and this is all while you are rolling in agony.

The inordinate delay increases anxiety and exacerbates one’s emotional condition.

Why do they need all this information before they treat a patient? Like any other provider, they need to get paid for administering services, and if they have not notified the correct services, they could end up not getting paid.

Of course these technicalities are not evident to a distressed patient, who might flip a lid if they realised that the questions had nothing to do with administering healthcare and that the emotionally unmoved practitioner has been trained to be that way.

It is human nature not to plan how to deal with a crisis before it happens.

Blackbright News, wants to be that helping hand that prevents you from being passed around from pillar to post. Isn’t it great to have the information you need in one place so you know where to find it when you need it?

Please keep this Special Outreach Edition of BlackBright News in a safe place!

The Editor.

WHEN SOMEONE DIES...

We tend to take so much for granted, if someone we have not been involved in the death of a loved one. So in brief, this section will tell you what to expect when someone dies.

First, a doctor must be satisfied about the cause of death before he/she can certify it and the death can be registered. If the doctor didn’t see the deceased at least 28 days before the death occurred, or if he/she isn’t satisfied about the cause of death, the death must be reported to the Coroner. The Coroner must also be informed if the deceased died as the result of an accident, or in violent or unexplained circumstances. The role of the Coroner is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths so that the death can be certified and then registered. If death is unexplained or suspicious, then an autopsy is done. This can cause stressed to the bereaved family as they cannot bring closure until they are able to bury the body.

know that people respond very differently to traumatic events and losses. Some may be very upset, cry, yell, or shake. Others may seem calm and composed or even numb, cold and detached. Some may want to talk about the event while others may wish to remain quiet. Some may want physical contact while others may not want to be touched. Typical reactions to sudden death include any number of emotions including feelings of fear, anger, guilt, sadness, and confusion.

Some individuals who have endured traumatic situations, despite how they are feeling, may believe it is necessary to assure others that they are fine. They may not want to “bother” others with their problems or may want to get “back to normal.” It is common for people to experience mood swings during this time, and survivors may misdirect anger towards others or towards themselves. Some survivors may feel overly dependent upon or become overprotective of others.

Each individual will experience unique reactions and may alternate among these reactions.

Communicate: Send a message of concern by phone, mail, or email. Do something that does not necessarily require a response from the person, as he or she may already feel overwhelmed by the immediacy of the event and the tasks they are confronting in the initial days and weeks following a loss or traumatic event. It may be tempting to compare their situation to one you have experienced but it is better to simply listen to what the person feels and wants as people may have different reactions from you and may even feel differently from day to day.

Once the death is reported to the Coroner, if there are no complications, the body is identified and released; the death is registered, the inquest takes place and then the funeral arrangements.

EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS When someone dies it is a terrible loss and shock to their families, friends, and community. Families and communities who experience such losses often experience old feelings of hurt and pain as well as deep empathy for those who are most impacted by the deaths.

Often parents are uncertain how to help their teens and children reach out to those who are directly affected, or how to help their teens and children manage their own reactions.

How to help a friend or loved one who has experienced a loss In order for you and your family to support a friend or loved one during this difficult time, it is important to 5

NEED SOMEONE TO PLAY AT A WAKE OR A FUNERAL? Lady Loy (THE DJ FOR ALL OCCASIONS) 44+ (0) 7957 540 899

Engage in open communication. It is important that you address your adolescent’s or child’s concerns and invite questions. Listen to what your children have to say and invite questions. If you have difficulty answering questions, it is okay to say that you do not know the answer.

Keep in mind that conversations about the event and related feelings may be ongoing among your teen or child’s peer group. It is also important for you to anticipate that your adolescent or child may not want to talk about the event with you. The key is for you to create an environment in which your children feel supported and listened to, and in which you communicate to your children that you are available to talk at any time.

Support: Often, friends and family feel a need to “problem solve” or offer advice. This is often not necessary.

For those who are close to a grieving person, physical presence and support are usually more valuable. Suggestions as to what a grieving person should have done or should do now are usually not helpful.

Expect emotions. Expect that your children will be experiencing a number of emotions and that feelings will fluctuate from day to day. Even if your child or teen is doing well, it is possible that feelings and behaviours related to the event may become apparent in the weeks to follow.

Alternatively, your children may not show any signs of distress or worry related to the events. Pay attention to your children’s emotions and behaviors, and talk with them about any concerns you have about their reactions.

Education: Educate yourself about trauma and the healing process. Learn about common reactions to traumatic experiences and about resources by attending seminars, searching the internet, reading books, or talking to a counsellor.

Listen: Listen and allow the survivor to talk about the traumatic experience at his or her own pace. Friends can let the survivor know that they are there to listen and give support when the survivor is ready.

Validate emotions. A great variety of feeling is expected as a result of a sudden loss. Show your children that you understand how they are feeling and that they are being heard. For example, you can say “I know how confused you are about all this. I feel the same way” or “I can see that you are very sad.”

Do not focus solely on the trauma: Take a break from talking about it. Follow the survivor’s lead on when to talk about it and when to take a break. Allow time for mutual relaxation and engaging in ordinary tasks and activities.

Be honest and open. Your child or adolescent may be more likely to open up about their feelings when you take the lead and discuss your own thoughts and feelings about the event. Sharing your own feelings may help to normalize the experiences and reactions of your children.

Return Control: By respecting the survivor’s wishes and allowing them to make decisions, friends can help return control to them.

Seek professional guidance. If you see significant changes in your children’s behaviours and emotions

COPING WITH YOUR FAMILY WHEN YOUR CHILD DIES

that persist or are impacting their functioning, seek professional help. As parents, you may also need to seek professional advice to work through your feelings and thoughts about the event or about how the event has affected your family.

Do not make assumptions. Each individual has different reactions and responses to a traumatic event. It is important that you do not make assumptions about your children’s thoughts and feelings. It is recommended that you speak to your adolescent or child directly and ask them about their thoughts and feelings.

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Source:http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/death/when_so meone_dies_unexpectedly.html

NEED ADVICE? WHERE TO GO...

Being bullied OR know someone who is?

Luton Youth Service : 01582 548340 (10 yr olds – 19 yr olds) Child Helpline: 0800 1111 Learn Karate (Michelle Austin: 07989 967184)

John’s Hospice following terminal illness) Victim Support: 01582 723 779 (Luton) 01234 844 281 (Bedford) Offers support to those bereaved by homicide (murder) or who have been affected by crime

Debt Citizens Advice Bureau : 0844 245 1285 Luton Rights: 01582 453 372

Problems with Children in School?

Every child has the right to an education which develops their personality, talents and abilities to the full. Schools have a right to set rules in relation to conduct both inside and outside the school. http://www.yourrights.org.uk/yourrights/the-rights-of-children-and-young-people/education/school-discipline.html

Counselling Services (Your GP may refer) BBCS Counselling & Advisory Svs: 07957 540 899 Cruse Bereavement Care (for Bereaved Adults) Luton: 01582 595 300 Relate: 01234 356 350 Counselling for those experiencing the impact of change, loss and bereavement Talking Therapies: 01582 456 677 Crisis Response Team: 01582 548 800 (preventing hospital admission)

Death of a Loved One Bedford Bereavement Services: 01234 353 701 (monthly group meetings at Norse Road Crematorium) Contact: Cathy Appleby Bedford Hospital: 01234 355 122 x 4621 CHUMS – Child Bereavement, Trauma & Wellbeing Service: 01525 863 924 (Offering support to children, young people, their parents and carers) The Compassionate Friend: 0845 123 2304 or 01767 689 781(Supporting Bereaved Parents) Luton & Dunstable Hospital: 01582 491 166 (There is a Macmillan Unit for Cancer Patients) also They provide information and support for those affected by post-mortem procedures) (ask for Margaret Malcolm or Barbara in Bereavement Support) Keech Hospice Care: 01582 492 339 ask for Jeff Lewcock or Steve Andrews Road Victims Trust: 01234 843 345 A support service for anyone bereaved by a road collision Samaritans UK: 08457 909090 Emotional Distress, Despair, Feeling Suicidal Tel: 01234 211 211 (Bedford) Tel: 01582 720 666 (Luton) Sands: 07900 106 543 (if a baby has died through miscarriage, still birth or neonatal death, i.e. a baby who is less than 28 days old) Sue Ryder Bereavement Service: 01767 642 429 (supporting families and friends following a death at St

Domestic Violence www.luton.gov.uk/safefguardingadults

Luton Police Station 01582 401 212 Women’s Aid: 01582 547124 Office of Public Guardian 0845 330 2900 Stepping Stones: 01582 457 114 Get Connected: 0808 808 4994 Concerns about a vulnerable adult: 01582 547 659 (9-5) or 08702 385 465 other times.

Drugs Stepping Stones : 01582 457 114 Luton Drug and Alcohol Partnership (LDAP) Tel: 01582 709231 Luton alcohol Addiction Treatment: 0800 0322 880 (From outside the UK, call +44 1721 722 763

FIRE/POLICE/AMBULANCEE EMERGENCY ONLY: 999 OR 112 Call 111: if not serious enough for 999 Luton Police: 01582 401 212 Witnessed a Violent Crime: 101

Housing Issues Luton Housing Advice: 01582 546 000 Luton Rights: 01582 453372.

Luton’s All Women’s Centre: 01582 416 783 Homeless? “Shelter” Call Free: 0808 800 4444 Eviction: Luton Law Centre: 01582 481 000

Legal Issues Eligible for legal aid? Tel: 0845 345 4345 https://www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice

Luton Law Centre: 01582 481 000 www.lawjustanswer.co.uk

Welfare Benefits Luton Law Centre: 01582 481000, Luton Rights: 01582 453372

Work Related Problems? Call Luton Rights or Citizens Advice Bureau: 0844 245 1285

to spark a truly overwhelming down-turn in the economy is not clear, though one thing is blatantly clear to the point of it being palpable and that is the effect it is having on our young adults. So this is a two-tier analysis.

On the one hand we are told constantly that our young people are the future and so it is necessary to nurture their academic, employment and career growth with the 25-50 something’s contributing in their stabilising of the economy though what we are really seeing is a clear erosion of this enduring ethos.

Artist is Raymond Watson, Ireland

A recent Guardian article chimed in over the state of our youth’s future by saying that ‘Two thirds of young people believe the economic downturn will cast a shadow over their job prospects for years to come. A survey of nearly 6000 13-25year olds revealed that while 85% of under 17s polled were confident that their education had prepared them well for employment, the figure fell to only 53% among the over 17’s, findings in a poll for the education charity. Edge, will add to fears that the young are bearing the brunt of the UK’s economic difficulties, with recent figures showing that 40% of those out of work by the end of the year are expected to be under the age of 25, while a million 18-to-24 year-olds are currently not in education, employment or training.’

Recently Mervin King; Governor of the Bank of England stated “economic recovery is fragile” suggesting that a ‘double-dip recession in an already economically shellshocked Britain rocking back on its heels, may not be far off. Fortunately, I am old enough to remember a time when inflation and the cost of living effectually balanced each other out; where dietary essentials did not warrant a place in the ‘exorbitant because of costly genetically modified additions via over-zealous farmers’ and targetdriven supermarkets looking to make an even bigger profit out of the common man.

Remember a time when a disaffected youth, still very much influential because of their angst ridden vocalisations, free-thinking state and sheer belief by concerted belief in an alternative socio-economic infrastructure, shaped economically the Britain we see today.

The 60’s, 70’s and 80’s saw the golden years of growth take hold and mould a different type of financial mindset. One where a unified strive towards financial homogeny across sex, class and race was a true melting pot for people to create entrepreneurial heaven and claim a piece of the pie. What exactly has happened since then

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It would appear to be a post-apocalyptic testament to the failings of a society pre-occupied with dragging itself away from a self-imposed debt foisted upon it by the powers that be. But then that would be clearly letting the powers- that- be off the hook with an unhealthy caveat emptor; if you will, implemented by stealth, like a leaked dossier on the condition of our state-run schools. I feel it goes deeper than this initial offering and to this mix I add my second tier as now there is a new outcry sitting uncomfortably alongside a forgotten disaffected youth and the globalisation of these protracted thoughts. That of the traditional stabilisers of the economy the 25-50 something’s being put out ‘to grass’ prematurely by a government more focused on the EU’s

daily machinations to create a state detrimental to nurturing of the free voice in favor of eliminating institutions and organisations specifically formed to aid the mature back into full-time education and real work, not government aided schemes designed to create a false picture of the realities of our collected situation economically.

When we see a completely new drive in favour of aiding the 25-50 something’s in their quest to not only remain valuable members of society enabling them to support, nurture and guide our young to a more satisfying place educationally, economically and career-wise we will come to see a healthy reflection of what our society is really all about. Our economy needs the young to prosperat the highest level, it needs realistic, holistic guides, though most importantly it needs the government to value it more and build a new socio-economic infrastructure to support its young’s ambitions, no matter what they be.

Perceptions and Experiences of Counselling Services among Blacks & Asians Despite increasing recognition of the value of counselling in supporting mental well-being, and the rapid expansion of such services, uptake by black people remains low. This study, carried out by the Scottish Ethnic Minorities Research Unit in Edinburgh College of Art/Heriot Watt University, evaluated the accessibility and appropriateness of counselling provision in the voluntary sector based on the accounts of Asian people.

Š Syandene.

Awareness of counselling among people who had not used the service was low, although all were experiencing stress, anxiety and depression. When informed about the nature of the service, many felt it would be useful since informal support available to them was limited or constrained by other issues.

Most people who had used a counselling service had done so after major life events such as bereavement, marital breakdown and redundancy. Most found that counselling had a very positive impact: it provided time and a safe space to explore their circumstances and feelings, to build self-esteem and develop coping strategies.

Both clients and non-clients of counselling expected counsellors to enable them to work through their feelings and problems, and to treat them with respect, as equals. Their main preferences were to be consulted on the choice of counsellor and language used. The gender, age and ethnicity of the counsellor were important considerations for most people, but not always in ways that conformed to

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professional assumptions.

Generally, agencies’ ability to provide clients with choice was limited. The tendency of most mainstream agencies to provide counselling only in English was worrying, given the very limited number of black-led agencies providing counselling.

Black-led agencies stressed the importance of possessing a deep understanding of the racial and cultural background of their clients. In contrast, most mainstream agencies tended to trust that issues about race or religion would emerge in counselling sessions and that counsellors would learn the significance of these issues from their clients.

Few mainstream agencies involved in this study had specifically targeted black communities in publicising their services. Some were wary of creating demand they could not meet due to lack of capacity, or lack of confidence in dealing with black clients.

Joseph Improving counselling services for black people The following strategies by counselling providers – and those who fund them – would increase the accessibility and appropriateness of counselling for black people. The full report also sets out clear recommendations, questions and suggestions aimed at service providers, potential referrers (e.g. GPs, social workers), community leaders, training bodies and funders on how to improve access and appropriateness. Increasing access to counselling: increasing the number of external referrals by liaising with agencies or professionals whose work brings them into contact with black people; encouraging a greater number of self-referrals through developing a targeted outreach and publicity strategy; providing more flexible services e.g. drop-in services, surgeries in blackled agencies. Increasing appropriateness of counselling: increasing the number of trained counsellors from diverse communities by providing financial support for training; increasing cul-

tural sensitivity of existing counsellors through adequate training and by involving black counsellors or professionals with relevant experience; collaborating with and learning from agencies with relevant expertise. Reviewing service provision: carrying out ethnic monitoring; maintaining contact with black clients who have completed counselling to examine the long term impact of the service; organising focus group discussions with black clients to obtain feedback.

Black communities too have a role in promoting awareness and acceptability of counselling services by examining their own attitudes to mental health and encouraging people from their communities to seek appropriate support with psychological difficulties and distress.

Blackbright-Community Services Limited provides indigenous Counselling & Advisory Services for African-Caribbean’s experiencing distress and confusion. Tel: 01582 721 605 About the study Exploratory focus group discussions were organised at the beginning and end of the fieldwork with users of two black organisations which provide counselling. In-depth interviews were conducted with 38 Asian people, who were identified through liaising with black-led organisations. Nineteen of the participants had identified themselves as experiencing anxiety, depression or stress while the rest had been for counselling.

Ten counselling providers in the voluntary sector in Glasgow, Leeds, Bristol and London were identified, including those intended to serve the whole population (mainstream) and those which catered specifically for the needs of one or more minority ethnic groups (black-led). Additionally, the policy and practices of three umbrella organisations with strategic responsibility for the planning and provision of services were also examined.

The cooperation of Saheliya in Edinburgh and EACH (Ethnic Alcohol Counselling in Hounslow) in London was extremely valuable in ensuring that users were involved at key stages of the research.

Published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation is an independent, non-political body which has supported this project as part of its programme of research and innovative development projects, which it hopes will be of value to policy-makers, practitioners and service users. The findings presented here, however, are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.(March 2001) The full report, A suitable space: Improving counselling services for Asian people by Gina Netto, Sabine Gaag and Mridu Thanki with Liz Bondi and Moira Munro, is published for the Foundation by The Policy Press (ISBN 1 86134 317 5, price £10.95).

FURTHER INFORMATION FROM THE ROWNTREE 10 FOUNDATION.

OUTSOURCING ABUSE?

Supporting child migrants rights Dianne Abbott (Extracted) There have been a number of shocking reports concerning the situation of child migrants living in this country. I see a lot of children and young people who come to my advice surgery, on their own or with their parents, and who are in desperate need of help.

These children are often confused about their rights, and some have been mistreated by the Home Office or other authorities in this country. It seems that often it is forgotten that these are children first, and immigrants second.

I tabled two Early Day Motions illustrating different ways in which the rights of child migrants are violated in the UK. In May 2009.. Then in June I tabled a motion regarding the age determination process that unaccompanied child migrants must go through when applying for residency. There have been many reports suggesting that this process is carried out in an insensitive and inaccurate and leads to many under-18s being treated as adults when they really need someone to look after them.

In February 2010 I continued the campaign against child detention by participating in a debate on the Yarl’s Wood detention facility where I condemned the treatment of all migrants there, particularly the children. Healthcare was an issue I drew particular attention to, as it is well documented that detainees especially female detainees, have very little confidence in the standard of healthcare on offer. Prior to this debate I had tabled an early day motion highlighting the harmful psychological effects of child detention and also highlighting the excessive length of time some child detainees have been held for.

I am now keen to extend my work on child migrants in the UK by continuing to raise awareness of this important issue and by pressing Ministers to change their approach to children and immigration.

I am disappointed that the Coalition government has decided to postpone its decision to close family wings in detention centres until at least March 2011. I believe we need to end detention sooner rather than later.

http://www.dianeabbott.org.uk/campaigns/child-migrants.aspx

self-segregating tendencies. They quickly developed an affiliation with the place where they lived, which resulted in many wanting to stay in the neighbourhood where they first settled.

Where new immigrants live was found to be an important determinant of settlement experiences. Problems, including harassment and abuse, were found to be more extreme in neighbourhoods with little previous history of accommodating diversity and difference.

Over time, some new immigrants were able to exercise greater choice about where they lived, as they secured new rights and resources. However, exercising housing choice was often dependent upon the support and assistance of friends, relatives and community-led services. November 2007

Background For all the heated debate about the impacts and consequences of new immigration in the UK, surprisingly little is known about the realities of life for new immigrants. This has not stopped media speculation about the motives of new immigrants, the priorities of statutory agencies and service providers and the consequences for long-standing residents.

Much of this increasingly divisive debate has focused on the issue of housing and questions about who gets what and why, and the knock-on effects for local neighbourhoods, in terms of population change, community relations and sustainability.

THE HOUSING PATHWAyS OF NEW IMMIGRANTS David Robinson, Kesia Reeve and Rionach Casey

This research explores the arrival experiences and settlement stories of new immigrants. It focuses on the housing experiences of new immigrants and considers the consequences of their arrival for local housing markets and neigh-

This study ventures beyond speculation to explore the early settlement stories of new immigrants, with a particular focus on their housing experiences during the first five years of settlement in the UK and the consequences for local housing markets and neighbourhoods.

bourhoods.

Key points The arrival experiences of new immigrants were largely determined by their immigration status, associated legal rights and related opportunities. This led to clear distinctions in the housing situations of different groups. For example, asylum seekers were initially reliant on the National Asylum Support Service for accommodation and subsequently moved into social housing, once granted leave to remain. In contrast, the restricted rights of migrant workers to welfare benefits meant they were reliant on the private rented sector for a place to live

Attention centres on the sequence of dwellings that new immigrants occupy during the first five years of settlement, and their experiences while living in these different situations.

Fieldwork involved in-depth, qualitative interviewing with four groups of new immigrants in the city of Sheffield – Liberian, Pakistani, Polish and Somali – with different identities (ethnicity, religion, nationality and race) and distinct histories of settlement in the city, who have arrived into the UK via different routes and with different packages of associated legal rights.

New immigrants tended to fill voids in the housing stock left behind or avoided by other households. The result was the concentration of new immigrants in particular sectors of the local housing market and in specific neighbourhoods.

Experiences on arrival The housing problems that the new immigrants encountered in temporary accommodation – lack of privacy, freedom and control, poor living conditions, insecurity, safety concerns – reflect dominant themes in the extensive literature on experiences of homelessness in the UK. The problems they encountered in more secure, long-term accommodation – restricted choice in the social rented sector, the corrosive effect of racial harassment, problems of insecurity and homelessness, poor conditions in houses in multiple occupation (HMO), and overcrowding in the owner-occupied sector – reflect familiar themes in the extensive evidence base regarding minority ethnic housing experiences in the UK.

Most new immigrants moved into temporary accommodation upon first arriving in the UK. Poor living conditions, lack of privacy and concerns about safety and security were often associated with temporary accommodation and were sometimes endured for many months.

Some new immigrants reported problems of insecurity and poor living conditions in more permanent, long-term accommodation. Basic material needs were often not satisfied and security of tenure proved to be an illusion, with people struggling to maintain, and in some cases losing, their place in the housing system and becoming homeless. The new immigrants did not live in isolated ethnic clusters and their residential settlement patterns were rarely the outcome of

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The housing circumstances and experiences of the new immigrants interviewed might be familiar, but their opportunity to effect a change was found to be distinct and different from

a temporary situation, but a longer term commitment. At this point, they often became dissatisfied with the accommodation provided by the private rented sector and, in particular, by shared accommodation, and they developed preferences for particular neighbourhoods, which began to inform their residential choices. In contrast, some refugees appeared to be keen on a period of stability, having finally achieved a position of relative security. Their long-term housing objectives were skewed in favour of satisfying immediate priorities including education, employment and family reunion, although harassment had forced some refugee households to look to move.

The importance of place other disadvantaged groups. The system of constraints within which the new immigrants made choices about their housing was complex and tightly bound, and their scope to act to improve their situation was severely limited. In addition to restricted legal rights and limited resources, the new immigrants had arrived in the UK with little understanding of the subtleties of the housing system and were still getting to grips with issues such as how to access different tenures. They were also rarely skilled players of the welfare system.

Engaging with the housing system The immigration status and associated rights of new immigrants served to root their early housing careers within particular sectors of the housing system. The migrant workers interviewed were relying on the private rented sector, refugees had entered social housing and new immigrants arriving in the UK on a spouse visa had moved into the housing situation occupied by their spouse (typically owner-occupation).

The settlement patterns of respondents tended to reflect the housing actions and residential mobility of others, with the new immigrants filling voids in the housing stock left behind or avoided by other households. Which particular gap they filled within the local housing market depended upon the particular rights and opportunities at their disposal and the constraints within which choices were made. These included financial constraints in the private sector and the rules governing the allocation of housing in the social rented sector.

Refugees have a right of access to social housing, but have little opportunity to exercise choice in the allocation process.

They were typically in immediate and desperate need of accommodation and therefore unable to wait for a tenancy in a preferred location. As a result they tended to move into the most readily available and easily accessible accommodation.

In Sheffield this was low-demand or difficult to let housing in unpopular neighbourhoods. Clusters of new immigrants are therefore living on traditional white British working-class estates on the periphery of the city, which have little or no history of accommodating difference or living with difference (new contact zones of immigration).

In the early stages of settlement, migrant workers have no right of access to social housing. The migrant workers interviewed had therefore been drawn to neighbourhoods with a relatively large private rented sector.

Through time, as new rights were secured and resources accumulated, the new immigrants became more active within the housing system. A frequent motivation for migrant workers to move was the realisation that residence in the UK might not be 13

The new immigrants had little choice of what housing and which neighbourhoods they lived in during the early years of settlement. Their residential situations were dominated by constraining factors and often bore little relation to the settlement patterns of long-standing residents – for instance, new Somali immigrants were allocated accommodation on estates on the southern periphery of Sheffield, well away from the established Somali population. Where new immigrants were living in clusters this tended to be the consequence of the common constraints they had encountered in the local housing market, reinforced by the problems of abuse and harassment that many new immigrants had encountered living beyond established areas of minority ethnic settlement.

New immigrants quickly developed an affiliation for the neighbourhood where they first settled upon arrival in the city, and this served to tie them to these areas. Some Liberian respondents, for example, remained committed to their local neighbourhood despite problems with racial harassment. Having made an investment in the neighbourhood – becoming familiar with the local environment, services and facilities and developed friendships and associations – they were loathed to ‘start again’ somewhere new..

About the project The project team worked in partnership with six community researchers to complete in-depth interviews with 39 new immigrants living in Sheffield during 2006 and 2007. Interviews were conducted with 10 Liberian, 10 Pakistani, 10 Polish and 9 Somali new immigrants.

The research was qualitative in its approach and design, involving a combination of semi-structured one-to-one interviews and ‘futures’ workshops with executive and non-executive councillors, council officers and individuals from community organisations. In total, 65 people participated in the research.

The commission said it also found examples of firms which treated all workers with respect and dignity.

Neil Kinghan, director general of the EHRC, said: “The commission’s inquiry reveals widespread and significant ill-treatment in the industry. We have heard stories of workers subjected to bullying, violence and being humiliated and degraded by being denied toilet breaks. Some workers feel they have little choice but to put up with these conditions out of economic necessity. Others lack the language skills to understand and assert their rights.”

Meat workers abused, Inquiry Agency and migrant workers employed by meat and poultry firms suffer “mistreatment and exploitation”, an official inquiry has revealed .

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it uncovered “widespread evidence” of physical and verbal abuse and lack of proper health and safety protection, while workers often have little knowledge of their rights.

The Association of Labour Providers said: “The recommendations merit careful study by government, regulators, supermarkets, labour providers and labour users. Some of the recommendations, such as paying workers for travelling time and engaging workers on contracts of employment rather than contracts for services, are not possible unless there is a commitment from retailers and labour users to meet such costs, and past experience suggests that this is unlikely.”

Migrant workers are most affected, but British agency employees face similar mistreatment, with many people afraid to raise concerns because they fear they will be sacked.

Source: Luton on Sunday http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/Home/Meat-workersabused-inquiry-finds-0-16981.xnf

The commission said its inquiry, launched in 2008, uncovered frequent breaches of the law and licensing standards in meat processing factories, some of which supplied the UK’s biggest supermarkets, as well as at employment agencies. The commission made a series of recommendations aimed at improving recruitment practices and working conditions, as well as helping employees raise concerns.

A third of permanent workers and two-thirds of agency workers in the industry are migrants, while at one in six meat processing sites involved in the study every agency worker hired in the past year was a migrant worker. The commission said this was partly due to difficulties in recruiting British workers for physically-demanding, low-paid work.

More than eight out of 10 of 260 workers who gave evidence to the commission said agency workers were treated worse than directly-employed staff.

One in five workers said they had been pushed, kicked or had things thrown at them by line managers and a third revealed they had experienced or witnessed verbal abuse, often on a daily basis. Workers also claimed they had been refused permission to go to the toilet, and one in four told the commission that pregnant workers had been mistreated, including the instant dismissal of agency workers who announced they were having a baby.

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DID YOU KNOW:

Beware:

The government has confirmed today that the Public Lending Right body will cease to exist as a separate organisation and responsibility for managing the PLR Scheme is to be transferred to the British Library. The changes are expected to take effect from 1 October 2013.

intellectual property thieves are operating in the London area.

Got a big idea? It could be at risk. Avoid displaying it in public. Do not leave it unattended. Do not give it to anyone else to look after and watch out for anyone trying to pick your brains.

PLR staff will transfer over to the British Library but PLR will continue to be administered by the existing team from their offices in Stockton-on-Tees. Authors should continue to register their books for UK and Irish PLR in the usual way.

Remember, carlessness costs livelihoods. The inventors of the sandwich, vacuum, flask, doner kebab and Botox all lost out because they failed to take the simple precaution of patenting their invention.

More information on the government’s decision to transfer responsibility for PLR to the British Library can be found on our website.

If you’ve got an idea, keep it quiet. Take it to the British Library and ask for the Business IP Centre. They’ll give you free advice on what to do next.

The PLR team would like to thank authors for their continued support over the last two years as we awaited a decision from the government on the future of the PLR office.

Don’t be a Botox. Be a Barcode, Bakelite or Biro. Put your IP under our lock and key.

Jim Parker Registrar

The British Library, 99 Euston Road NW1 2DB Kings Cross/Euston Station

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