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Employing migrant workers: protecting their health and safety

2. What you must do as an employer

As an employer, you are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of every person doing work for you and anyone who could be affected by that work, such as visitors or members of the public.

You should take account of the competence and needs of migrant workers before they start work by:

  • considering their English language skills[6] and basic competencies (for example literacy, numeracy, physical attributes, general health, relevant work experience), including whether they are new to the job
  • checking they have the qualifications and skills required before they start at the workplace, including whether their vocational qualifications are compatible with those in Great Britain.

If your business uses or supplies gig, agency or temporary workers, read our guidance on health and safety for gig economy, agency and temporary workers[7] to understand your responsibilities.

Link URLs in this page

  1. Overviewhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/migrantworkers/employer/index.htm
  2. Information, instruction, training and supervision https://www.hse.gov.uk/migrantworkers/employer/training-and-supervision.htm
  3. Help with language issues https://www.hse.gov.uk/migrantworkers/employer/help-with-language-issues.htm
  4. Accommodationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/migrantworkers/employer/accommodation.htm
  5. More guidance and supporthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/migrantworkers/employer/guidance-and-support.htm
  6. English language skillshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/migrantworkers/employer/help-with-language-issues.htm
  7. guidance on health and safety for gig economy, agency and temporary workershttps://www.hse.gov.uk/vulnerable-workers/gig-agency-temporary-workers/index.htm
  8. Previous page Overview https://www.hse.gov.uk/migrantworkers/employer/index.htm
  9. Next page Information, instruction, training and supervision https://www.hse.gov.uk/migrantworkers/employer/training-and-supervision.htm
  10. Publications in other languageshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/languages/index.htm
  11. Working in the UK from overseas - agriculture and food processinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg410.htm

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Updated 2024-06-04