48 per cent – nearly half of all SMEs in the UK now employ non-UK nationals compared to 21 per cent in 2006, according to recent research from the Tenon Forum, showing the number of SMEs employing migrant workers has more than doubled in the past two years. More businesses than ever in the UK now employ foreign workers thanks in part to a large influx of employees from Eastern European countries whose citizens can reside freely in the EU.

Migrant workers are a valuable resource for UK businesses and have contributed to economic growth in previous years by covering labour shortages and filling skill gaps at low salaries. However, the language barrier means that the skills and qualifications of many of these workers are not recognised by employers. Due to their occasionally insufficient understanding of English, they tend to be employed in high-risk jobs without adequate training. Furthermore, they work longer hours and have limited knowledge of the UK Health and Safety system, which puts them at much greater risk of accidents in the workplace.

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