Council pledge to resist listing foreign workers

DUNDEE City Council will resist “any attempts” made by the UK Government to force employers to list the number of non-British nationals who work for them.

A motion by administration leader Ken Guild, calling on the authority to recognise the “valuable and significant” contribution made to Scotland and the UK by foreign nationals, was passed by councillors at the start of the week.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd came under fire last month after announcing plans to force companies to compile lists of non-UK workers.

Councillors have said they would oppose any measures to implement the policy in the city.

Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce echoed t he concerns, and said a number of local businesses “thrived” using a diverse workforce.

Chief executive Alison Henderson said: “On behalf of Dundee and Angus Chamber members, and those in the wider business community who are proud to employ a diverse workforce that i ncludes many foreign workers, we would urge the Government to give consideration to making it as simple as possible for the current workforce to remain, and for businesses to prosper.

“Being forced to make additional returns to show non-domestic workforce levels is a step too far.”

SNP councillor Mr Guild said: “Amber Rudd’s comments are divisive and are not true to the democratic principles we hold. I am pleased all members recognised that discrimination of this kind is worrying.”

Councillor Gregor Murray said: “Since the vote to leave the EU, there has been a 41% increase in the number of hate crimes seen in the UK. Scotland hasn’t seen the same l evel of increase.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “This is not about listing foreign workers or so-called naming and shaming of companies.This proposal would affect only businesses applying t o bring skilled non-EEA workers into the UK from overseas, not every business in the UK.”