Many Polish migrant workers feel socially isolated in Ireland because of their poor language skills, new research shows.
A study on the experiences of Polish migrants in Ireland shows that language barriers and a lack of information about rights and entitlements are the biggest problems facing those seeking jobs.
The report, commissioned by the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI), is based on interviews with 23 Polish migrant workers who have been living here for between three months to four-and-a-half years.
Many recently arrived Poles who have been experiencing social isolation recognise that English is crucial in finding a job and getting along well in Ireland.
However, for many working in the low-wage sector, the price of private language tuition is too high.
Migrants say they would value free or low-cost evening English language classes which would combine teaching the language with extra emphasis on oral English and using employment-related terminology.
They also recommend having Polish-English conversation classes, which could be helpful to both Polish and Irish communities by breaking down cultural and social barriers. The need for reliable information in Poland about issues such as the cost of living in Ireland would help many newcomers to avoid problems during the early stages of their stay in this country, according to workers.
There was exaggerated information in Poland about "jobs for everyone" in Ireland, however, many came without sufficient savings and were not prepared for the demands of the jobs market.
While the FÁS "know before you go" campaign was worthwhile, many were not familiar with it.
The provision of more official information on rights and entitlements in Polish - as Siptu has done - was also recommended. This would help to raise awareness, address discrimination and promote greater self-confidence, the report said.
Philip Watt of the NCCRI welcomed the report and said it underlined the need for the Government and other agencies to do more to support the transition of migrant workers into the workplace.
"We would call on the Government to develop more extensive and free English language classes for Poles.
"Don't expect them to just pick it up on the job. You don't get into supervisory roles unless you have English language skills," Mr Watt said.
The publication, Polish Migrant Workers in Ireland, is part of a series of community profiles researched in partnership with researchers from minority ethnic communities in Ireland.
