UNISON Brighton & Hove to Council Leader: “Labour Government Rhetoric and Policies on Migrants and Asylum Seekers Endangers Our Members”

UNISON Brighton has challenged the leadership of Brighton & Hove City Council to take a stand against central government policies that put our migrant and global majority members at risk.

Nationally, UNISON has condemned recent changes to UK settlement rules for migrant workers as “shocking, deeply worrying and already causing distress”. The union has also exposed widespread abuse of migrant care workers by rogue employers across the South East. This region’s care sector relies heavily on overseas workers to provide vital support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, including older residents.

Brighton became a City of Sanctuary in 2015, committing to welcoming migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. The council leader, Bella Sankey, has previously worked to support migrants held in detention. Despite this record, the Labour administration’s response to our concerns failed to acknowledge the government’s role in creating these harmful conditions. Our union is determined to hold all local Labour politicians to account on this issue.

At a time when authoritarianism and hate crime are rising both in the UK and internationally, it is more important than ever that organisations stand up for the principle that everyone, regardless of migration status or skin colour, deserves dignity, respect, and safety from violence and abuse.

UNISON members concerned about these matters can join the Together Alliance against the far right, who are holding a march on Saturday 28 March in London. UNISON Brighton & Hove will be attending to support, a coach from Brighton will be available, and the branch is subsidising some travel to London on the day. Please contact Diana Leach (Diana.Leach@brighton-hove.gov.uk) for more information and to apply.