‘Here to stay’

On February 6th twenty seven chaplains from across the West Midlands met to consider issues around the current growth in migrant workers in the region. Speakers included James Cooper, policy advisor at the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Crossley and Sr. Catherine from Birmingham Citizens, and John Crowe and Jorge Damasceno from rural projects in Hereford and Norfolk.

Among the issues identified were the skills gaps in the West Midlands, the vulnerability of some migrant workers, the impact on low skilled indigenous people, the variety of experience of migrants and the possibility of an amnesty for illegal workers to move towards legal status.

David Walker, Bishop of Dudley, provided theological reflection. Key themes included engagement – informed, in contact & in conversation; hospitality; community – faithful capital; and a living wage.

A report of the event will be available in due course.

The theme of migrant workers will be taken up at CIGB’s AGM on June 13th

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