Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil is highlighting what he called ‘the double standards of the Home off ce’ following press reports that non-European Economic Area (EEA) workers are employed in the off shore windfarm industry earning a fraction of the UK minimum wage.
Mr MacNeil says he is ‘continually pressing the UK government to help the west coast shing industry to allow non-EEA workers to ll the gap in crew shortages. Despite having met six Tory immigration ministers, the Home off ce refuses to help and boats are tied up due to lack of crew’.
Mr MacNeil said: ‘the west coast shing industry is crying out for crew and desperate to see the introduction of a scheme to allow non-EEA workers to ll the labour gap – a scheme which pays proper wages. However, this was rejected by the Home off ce.’