As the UN World Day of Social Justice shines a spotlight on the importance of equity and fairness, we reflect on the too often negative experiences of migrant workers in the UK. This day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to advocate for social justice and ensure that every worker, regardless of origin, can thrive in a just society.
On February 20th, we observe the annual United Nations’ World Day of Social Justice. Conceived in 2009, it promotes efforts to tackle issues like poverty, exclusion, and inequality. In 2025, this day will hold particular significance as communities and nations worldwide face various social challenges exacerbated by climate change, the continuing aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing social disparities.
When we talk about social justice, we are talking about the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. While it is an age-old challenge, the benefits of achieving social justice include ensuring that everyone’s rights are respected—yours, mine, and your fellow humans. It also means that marginalised groups receive the support they need and, finally, and of great importance, that there is equitable access to education, healthcare, and employment.
Social justice is a cornerstone of lasting peace and prosperous coexistence between nationals and migrants. Given that the latest statistics state that one-fifth of the UK workforce is foreign-born, it is important to recognise that migrant workers, like all workers, are entitled to fair treatment and respect, which are key to preserving the social fabric of our societies. Professor Jonathan Portes stated in the TogetherintheUK anthology Hear Our Stories,
I firmly believe that the evidence shows that immigrants make the UK a better place, whether economically, socially, or culturally.
In general terms, migrant workers differ from refugees in that they have chosen to leave their home country to live and work in another country – though, in many instances, those choices may be extremely constrained. Most migration today is directly or indirectly linked to the search for decent work opportunities. As Ruth, an author in the TogetherintheUK anthology of migrant writings, Hear Our Stories, explained,
Here we are in a country that we thought we could call home, a place to accomplish our dreams and to work to support our families back in our own countries. Invisible Heroes by Ruth, Hear Our Stories.
When it comes to social justice for migrant workers, according to a 2023 media release from the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, the UK was listed as the most common location for migrant worker abuse in 2024, with many prominent companies facing allegations of migrant workers’ abuse.
According to the report, over 40% of cases were linked to the UK’s health and social care sector. This is a cause for concern given that the NHS is heavily reliant on its migrant workforce, a situation common across all areas of the health sector.
Sadly, too many migrant workers are exposed to ill-treatment, not just in their journey to the UK but within their work environment. There have been reports of migrant workers being charged extortionate and illegal recruitment fees that leave many of them in long-term debt. In addition, reports of migrants being subjected to sexual harassment, extremely long hours, wage theft, and physical and verbal abuse are far too common.
Author and healthcare worker Farisai recounts the verbal abuse she received,
“I hate these migrants, ignorant, lazy, parasites and thieves”, he continued. My Life as an Immigrant, in so Many Words, by Farisai Dzemwa, Hear Our Stories.
Poet Michael Ndoun’s writing reveals the perceived difference between being a migrant and being an expatriate.
My melanin dictates whether I’m an immigrant or expatriate in a land with more human right motion. Immigrants Blues by Michael Ndoun, Hear Our Stories
According to a 2023 article from the organisation Focus On Labour Exploitation, the risk of exploitation is prevalent for migrant workers operating under the government’s Seasonal Workers’ Scheme. While the National Farmers Union has stressed the critical role that seasonal workers have in the UK farming and poultry industry, resulting in the government approval of 43,000 seasonal worker visas available for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry in 2025, there are still issues around worker exploitation.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre stated that many workers are sourced on temporary or seasonal visas that have the potential to keep them in exploitative work situations, while employers are simply not doing enough to respond to well-documented risks of abuse in their supply chains and operations.
Migrant workers may feel helpless and unaware of their rights, leaving them vulnerable to unscrupulous employers. In too many incidents, employers have intimidated workers, leaving them discouraged or frightened to seek help or advice. Knowing and understanding your rights is a key component in achieving social justice, and there are many organisations that specialise in supporting migrants and other marginalised communities in this area. TogetherintheUK has a dedicated section covering Practical Information on its website. Another helpful site is the Migrants’ Rights Network, which, among other resources, provides tailored resources and training to inform migrant communities about their rights.
The level of exploitation and lack of social justice may be attributed to the hostile environment towards migrants from some elements of UK and global society. As we approach the UN World Day of Social Justice, we need to increase our collective efforts to eradicate poverty and promote full employment and decent working conditions, gender equity, and access to social well-being and justice for all.
To read more about the lives and impacts of migrants on UK society, go to TogetherintheUK.
To purchase a copy of Hear Our Stories, An Anthology of Migrant Writings, compiled by TogetherintheUK, go to TGIUK.
