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7 May 2004
Migrants make a valuable contribution to the economy and culture of Scotland and the rest of the UK, the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said today on a visit to Glasgow.
During the visit Mr Blunkett and Scotland’s First Minister, Jack McConnell, met with businessman Charan Gill MBE, managing director of the Glasgow-based Harlequin Restaurant Group, and some of his 450 Scottish and Indian employees.
Mr Blunkett was visiting Scotland at the invitation of the First Minister, to see first hand how Scotland’s economy benefits economically and culturally from of its diverse immigrant community.
Mr Blunkett said:
"Migrant workers bring enormous benefits to Scotland and the rest of the UK and we need them to fill vital gaps in the jobs market. We want to welcome people who come here legitimately and pay taxes.
"But migrants don’t just come to fill jobs - they also create jobs and make an enormous contribution by setting up businesses, helping our economy grow and giving us a more vibrant culture. This is particularly true where changes have led to an imbalance in terms of an ageing working population.
"Glasgow is a successful, lively and cosmopolitan city which attracts business and leisure visitors from around the world. Businesses like Mr Gill’s have helped to make the city what it is today.
"Scotland and the rest of the UK are part of an increasingly global economy, and it essential that we can attract the skills and talents we need to continue to play a leading role in the world marketplace.
"The UK Government is committed to a balanced approach to migration. We need to encourage legal migrant workers while making sure there is no abuse of the system and clamping down on illegal working which both undermines local workers and can lead to individuals being forced to live and work in appalling conditions.
"Scotland’s economy in particular needs properly managed migration, to counteract the country’s falling and ageing population, and I am very pleased that the Government is able to work with the Scottish Executive to support its Fresh Talent initiative to attract and retain overseas migrants."
Between 2000 and 2003 there was nearly a 300 per cent rise in work permits issued to Scottish employers. Last year more than 7,000 work permits were issued to Scottish employers, with top industries being health and medical services, computer services, hospitality and catering, education and culture and administration, business and management services.
During his visit to Glasgow Mr Blunkett also saw the drugs court pilot at Glasgow Sherriff’s Court.
Notes to Editors
- The Scottish Executive launched its Fresh Talent initiative on Wednesday 25 February 2004.
- Mr Blunkett and Mr McConnell met Mr Gill and his employees at the Ashoka at the Mill restaurant in Darnley, Glasgow, part of the Harlequin Restaurant Group.
