Tackling prejudice and xenophobia
People have come from all over the world to help deliver public services to all of us and they have made the UK their home. Our world-class public services are there for everyone. And we rely on people of all different races, religions and backgrounds to deliver them.
Such values come under pressure in the face of cuts to public services, just when they are needed the most. When times are tough, we need good local public services more than ever.
The information and resources on this page have been developed to support activities by UNISON branches and members to challenge the toxic debate around immigration.
This page will also signpost campaigns and appeals to support asylum seekers and refugees in the UK, who find themselves under greater pressure than ever before.
On this page
Stand together in UNISON
In UNISON, we speak up against prejudice in the workplace – and beyond. However, it can be hard to know exactly what to say, especially on contentious issues.
The leaflet ‘Challenging prejudice’ in our resources section below aims to help start a dialogue rather than a confrontation, the essential building blocks of trust and respect in the workplace.
A second leaflet, ‘UNISON – a union for all’ is aimed at our migrant worker members, with details of how they access resources, support and activities in the union.
Our members
Migrant workers are UNISON members and activists. Help, support and organising networks are all available. Aside from the usual workplace support, the union also provides free immigration telephone advice to members who have come to work in the UK from countries both within and outside the European union.
We work with the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) to provide this support. If you have been a member of UNISON for more than four weeks and need immigration advice and information, please call UNISONdirect at 0800 0 857 857. Your contact details will be passed on to a JCWI adviser who will call you on Tuesday, between 10am and 4pm.
African workers
You can get involved in UNISON’s African Migrant workers’ network by emailing [email protected] and joining the facebook group.
Filipino workers
You can get involved in UNISON’s Filipino workers network by joining the facebook group.
Campaigning with Refugee Action to ‘Let them learn’
Refugees who have found safety in the UK want to rebuild their lives and be part of their new communities. Sadly, they have a huge obstacle to restarting their lives, because there aren’t enough English classes.
In recent years, the UK government has cut funding to English language classes by over 50%. These funding cuts have resulted in shortages of availability, long waiting lists and other barriers to participation.
The hurdles can be even higher for women as classes with childcare facilities are rare. This means they are at greater risk of becoming further isolated at home, rather than being able to get involved in their new communities and make friends.
UNISON is supporting Refugee Action’s campaign to ensure proper funding for English language classes for all refugees.
How else can you get involved?
Branches and activists have asked for union advice on how they might offer practical solidarity and support to refugees.
Here are some suggested campaigns and organisations that branches or individuals might consider supporting. They are working on help for the immediate emergency and long-term practical support.
- CalAid is a grassroots movement collecting urgently needed donations for those living in the Calais refugee camps.
- Doctors of the World is an organisation that provides vital medical services in refugee camps across the world, including in Europe.
- The Refugee Council is currently running an appeal to free child refugees from detention centres in the UK, as part of the continuing support for refugees it provides year after year.
- City of Sanctuary encourages practical ways for ordinary people to show solidarity with refugees in their own communities, through a grassroots 'culture of hospitality’. You can find out more here. Details about local City of Sanctuary groups can also be found on its website.
- Women for Refugee Women focuses on discrimination experienced by refugee women, their current Set her Free campaign focuses on the treatment of women in detention centres.
Members of UNISON can also join our Migrant Worker Network which offers advice and support to first-generation migrants.
UNISON resources
- JCWI phone helpline for UNISON members needing help and advice on immigration Welfare of immigrants
- Unison migrant workers network Free immigration and pay advice
- Migrant healthcare workers briefing For migrant workers employed in the NHS and social care sector (2020)
- UNISON response to English language requirement (2016)
- A handy guide to the essential building blocks of trust and respect in the workplace Challenging prejudice and supporting local services
- Working in the UK: Guide for migrants (English)
- Working in the UK: Guide for migrants (Filipino)
Legal disclaimer
The information contained within this article is not a complete or final statement of the law and is based on the laws of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
While UNISON has sought to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, it is not responsible and will not be held liable for any inaccuracies and their consequences, including any loss arising from relying on this information. If you are a UNISON member with a legal problem, please contact your branch or region as soon as possible for advice, or for non-employment matters call UNISONdirect.