On 1 May 2004 the United Kingdom, Ireland were the first countries in Europe to open their labour markets to the Eastern European workers.

We continue to ensure those coming to the UK are protected and prepared for employment.   

This includes information about the Workers Registration Scheme (WRS) which was set up to encourage legal working.  Lithuanian workers coming to the UK who sign up to the WRS are given the same level of legal employment protection as British people.

The UK is taking action to curb the exploitation of Polish workers, establishing the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA). From 1 October, labour providers without a licence can face up to 10 years in prison. We want to ensure new legislation is not only in place but rigorously enforced – exploitation of workers of any nationality in the UK is not acceptable and will be rooted out wherever we find out.

Charities are reporting that Eastern European people who are unprepared for living and working in the UK can become homeless or face other difficulties.  They advise that Lithuanians coming to the UK should:

• organise accommodation and/or a job in advance of their departure
• be prepared to support themselves financially while they seek work, a process which may take several weeks
• recognise that their eligibility for social benefits and healthcare is likely to be very limited, especially if they are not in work

The UK Communities and Local Government Department supported the charity Homeless Link to develop an Action Plan on Reducing Rough Sleeping among Central and Eastern European Migrants in London.

For more information on the Action Plan and to download the publication in full go to Homeless Link website.