Lesley set the background to changes in migration patterns in Scotland over recent years. In the long-term both the overall and the working age population is set to decline. But in the short-term this trend has been reversed, with asylum seekers and more recently by EU economic migrants from the accession states.

Tensions can occur because the responsibility for policy is shared between the Scottish Government and Westminster. Tensions occur within communities as there has been a failure to plan for the large numbers of EU migrants moving to live and work in Scotland.

The economic benefits of migration have been positive, over 90% are employed and their children are helping to sustain rural schools. But there are a number of issues that need addressing including:

• the lack of support services (e.g. translation services),
• how to reach out to isolated groups,
• protection from exploitation (e.g. in employment),
• ensuring standards are maintained in the private sector where the majority are housed,
• clarification as to their rights to access and welfare benefits.

Alun described a new support service for migrant workers which has been developed in the Scottish Borders. It supports 170 migrants with one full time member of staff and 20 volunteers. It aims to improve access and knowledge of services, promote integration and help develop awareness of migrants needs.

The project has identified a number of issues including:
• a distrust of official bureaucracy,
• low pay and long hours of work,
• poor or overcrowded living conditions,
• the need to work with the wider community and to keep it informed.