Orkney and the Western Isles set the record for worker hospitality

In Orkney, thanks to Malgorzata's help, the online information pack In Orkney went live in 2007 as part of orkneycommunities.co.uk With funding through HIE Orkney from the European Leader+ programme - and from Orkney's Community Learning and Development Partnership - the aim is to provide workers from Poland with a warm welcome to the islands.

The new Western Isles website  Western Isles website designed by The Outer Hebrides Web Design.also gives easy access to such things as employment rights, how to open a bank account, register a car and learn English. It gives access to the information in three languages, Polish, English and Russian, with an option to subscribe to an e-newsletter to keep updated with news and events for the Eastern European community as well as other events around the UK.

The consultancy business services are largely aimed at migrant workers, although the support services can also be useful for employers and agencies seeking employment advice, translation and communication. The website itself is a vehicle for the services that the business offers and provides information for Eastern European on what to expect on arrival in the UK.

It is estimated that there are between 300 and 700 migrant workers in the Outer Hebrides at any one time, working in food processing, hospitality and construction. Educated to a degree level in law, Ludmila is fluent in a number of Eastern European languages and her professional background gives her an understanding of the differences between eastern and western social economic systems.

Ludmila said: "Many migrant workers have expressed difficulty in getting the help they need simply because they cannot explain their problems and do not understand what services are available to them. They need better access to information and support with opening bank accounts, interpreting employment law, accessing local health services, legal entitlements and basic information on living and working in the UK."

HIE Innse Gall has supported Ludmila with a £3,000 business start-up grant in order for her business to get off to a good start. HIE Innse Gall's Norma Hogan, said: "Living and working in the area has given Ludmila good local knowledge and a firm understanding of practices in the UK. Her linguistic skills are highly beneficial as is her understanding of the needs of migrant workers who  personally relate to her through their cultural and ethnic backgrounds, giving the business a competitive advantage.   Top left:  Ludmila Macleod

"The new website is attractive and user friendly and we hope it will play a big role in helping migrant workers from Eastern Europe feel at home in the Outer Hebrides."

HIE has identified five sectors which can contribute to population growth, including migrant workers, young people, and the islands and fragile areas. Douglas Cowan/Ruth Sime from HIE's population growth team said: "Migrant workers tend to be young, highly qualified, hard working and attracted by market conditions in the Highlands and Islands.

"What we want to do is to encourage them to stay and we are working with our partner organisations to assist the migrant population. This includes providing things which can help them to feel welcome and settled in the area, like increased language training, advice on services and assistance for children in the classroom and through this website advice on all these can be accessed."


Trilingual Western Isles :http: www.epbr.co.uk
Bilingual Polish web: http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/witamy
Web design: http://www.theouterhebrides.co.uk/
Orkney Source: http://www.computescotland.com/580.php