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Kate Roberts

@k8roberts.bsky.social
635 followers 156 following 76 posts

Migration, migrant rights, labour rights, labour exploitation, anti-trafficking

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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Workers need options so they can access justice in practice. As UK immigration policy keeps more workers temporary & dependent on employer- sponsors for longer, a mechanism to be able to keep working while taking an employment matter is essential. Still time to sign up for Tuesday’s webinar ⬇️
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Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The UK government is making upwards of £4.9bn in profit from visa fees, citizenship fees & the immigration health surcharge. Meanwhile, people are getting into thousands of pounds of debt or going without food just to afford to these immigration fees. www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026...
thebureauinvestigates.com
Government makes £5bn a year from immigration fees while applicants…
Home Office’s fees are up to 10 times the processing cost – and rising every year
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Jonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
It's a rare policy that would be welcomed by both business and trade unions - and at the same time would *improve* the UK's fiscal position. Dropping these proposals - for which there is no economic, moral or political case - would be one. www.ft.com/content/8a00...
ft.com
Unions demand softening of UK immigration reforms
Proposals will ‘punish’ low-paid migrants doing essential work in public services and create a new staffing crisis in social care, says motion passed at TUC
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Helen Bamber Foundation 🧡 @helenbamber.org · 15/09/2026
Today, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner told the House of Commons why measures in the Immigration & Asylum Bill on disclosure and the credibility of trafficking survivors are so harmful — and why they should be scrapped. Read our new briefing for more: www.helenbamber.org/resources/re...
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Institute of Employment Rights @ieruk.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Now on the #TUC2026 conference floor: motion C04: Migrant rights are workers’ rights – withdraw the unsettling UK settlement proposals. In 2023, IER experts wrote a v significant report arguing that a seismic shift was needed in migrant workers’ rights: www.ier.org.uk/press-releas...
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Andrea Egan UNISON General Secretary @andreaegangs.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
TUC says: Migrant rights are workers' rights
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Great to see this recommendation for a fishing workers visa in the APPG on fisheries action plan static1.squarespace.com/static/5c3f2...
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
So looking forward to discussing a positive immigration initiative. It’s so obvious that immigration rules need to support access to rights. The UK is in urgent need of its own Workplace Justice visa
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Free Movement @freemovement.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Unison is recruiting a permanent Immigration Solicitor for its Legal Services team in London — £53,110 plus £7,170 London Weighting. A chance to work on strategically important litigation. We've got the details and how to apply on our site.
freemovement.org.uk
Job ad: Unison is recruiting an Immigration Solicitor - Free Movement
Immigration Solicitor
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Jon Featonby @jonfeatonby.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Very sensible reasoned amendment tabled by the Lib Dem’s declining to the give the Immigration and Asylum Bill a second reading. MPs debate on Monday. commonsbusiness.parliament.uk/Document/106...
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Jon Featonby @jonfeatonby.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
The Joint Committee on Human Rights have launched their legislative scrutiny of the Immigration and Asylum Bill. Deadline for written submissions is 1 September. committees.parliament.uk/committee/93...
committees.parliament.uk
JCHR launches legislative scrutiny of the Asylum and Immigration Bill - Committees - UK Parliament
The Joint Committee on Human Rights has announced it will undertake legislative scrutiny of the Immigration and Asylum Bill.
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Free Movement @freemovement.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
ICYMI: We published Oska Paul's compelling piece on why the UK needs a dedicated fishing visa. Migrant fishers have sustained the industry for decades, yet current immigration routes leave them vulnerable and without proper protections. A vital read on an overlooked policy gap.
freemovement.org.uk
The case for a dedicated UK fishing visa - Free Movement
A fishing visa would provide a lawful route for recruitment and ensure that fishers have access to the rights afforded to other workers in the UK.
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Unison are recruiting for a great looking immigration solicitor role ⬇️ unison.org.uk/jobs/2026/07...
unison.org.uk
Immigration Solicitor - Legal Services Team | UNISON - the public service union
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Focus on Labour Exploitation @focusonlabour.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The Immigration and Asylum Bill, published yesterday, is a stark reminder that the UK's immigration system continues to be shaped by cruelty rather than protection. We will continue to work with allies to challenge this approach and advocate for a change in direction. www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
Mahmood: My reforms will save the asylum system for a generation
New safe and legal refugee routes, alongside reforms to human rights and modern slavery laws, to prevent abuse of the asylum system.
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Sonia L @sonial77.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
If you want some hand crafted, artisan, any mistakes human's own, analysis and explanation of the bill, then I am slowly working through the five parts and posting here: thoughtsonimmigration.substack.com
thoughtsonimmigration.substack.com
thoughts on immigration | Sonia Lenegan | Substack
commentary and explainers on immigration and asylum law and policy, AI and paywall free. Click to read thoughts on immigration, by Sonia Lenegan, a Substack publication.
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
If you are a brilliant communicator who cares about workers’ rights there are still a few days left to apply for the Comms Officer role at FLEX ⬇️
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Natalie Sedacca @nataliesedacca.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
New on @labourblog.bsky.social : how “transit loophole” treats migrant fishing workers as if not legally present in the UK, with lack of immigration status creating structural vulnerability and denial of labour rights uklabourlawblog.com/2026/06/16/s... - by Angeli Romero @focusonlabour.bsky.social
uklabourlawblog.com
Safe Harbour: Dismantling the Legal Fiction of the Transit Loophole – by Angeli Romero
Image by Detmold from Pixabay 1. Introduction Over the last three decades, the UK fishing industry has faced a steady decline in full-time, domestic fishers – a trend largely attributed to the diff…
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Focus on Labour Exploitation @focusonlabour.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
This International Domestic Workers Day, we call on the UK government to reinstate the original domestic worker visa and the corresponding rights. #internationaldomesticworkerday #IDWD #domesticworkers #migrantworkersrights #
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Shameful that it’s 15 years since migrant domestic workers in the UK have entered on a visa which restricts access to rights. International Domestic Workers Day was a beautiful celebration of hope & solidarity despite this. @voiceofdws.bsky.social @kalayaan.org.uk @focusonlabour.bsky.social
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
This is always such a lovely event, and the sun will be out ☀️
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International Transport Workers' Federation @itfglobalunion.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
A BBC investigation has uncovered shocking allegations of abuse aboard a Scottish fishing vessel. ITF Fisheries Section Coordinator Chris Williams warns, there is a "structural, systemic problem" in the recruitment of migrant workers in the fishing industry. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
He told us we were slaves - The fight for justice on a Scottish fishing trawler
The migrant fishermen who waited nine years to give evidence about the company that exploited them.
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UNISON @unison.org.uk · 04/06/2026
📢 Care workers are marching on Downing Street on 10 June. Migrant care workers came to the UK when the sector desperately needed them. They worked hard, paid their taxes and built their lives here. Now the government wants to change the rules. #FairVisaCampaign
UNISON Fair Visa National Rally. Home Office. Number 10. Parliament Square. London. 10 June 2026.
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Looking forward to celebrating domestic workers on International Domestic Workers Day 2026. Join the picnic 1pm, 14 July 2026, Old Palace Yard & support migrant domestic workers call for a visa which enables access to workers rights 💪
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
The IASC’s term ends in December. Recruitment really needs to be underway to avoid (another) lengthy gap in this role questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
questions-statements.parliament.uk
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
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Heather Stewart @guardianheather.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Latest data due tomorrow but your regular reminder: net migration is *plunging* without these plans being enacted.
An ONS graph showing net migration rising v sharply post EU referendum and then falling rapidly
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Welcome the UCL #workinglives recommendation of the early implementation of a firewall, or secure reporting by the Fair Work Agency @focusonlabour.bsky.social @drellac.bsky.social
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Great to see this win for domestic workers in Indonesia after 22 years of calling for rights. Migrant domestic worker in the UK have been campaigning for a visa which allows access to basic rights for 14 years. Let’s make sure it’s no longer @voiceofdws.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Indonesia: Domestic workers legally recognised after '22-year struggle'
The country is home to some 4.2 million domestic workers - of which almost 90% are women.
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Migrant domestic workers know what works to address exploitation & enable access to workers rights. It’s time to listen to them & reinstate the rights on the ODW visa @voiceofdws.bsky.social @kalayaan.org.uk @focusonlabour.bsky.social
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Sonia L @sonial77.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
As Bluesky was down (for me at least), I did my rage posting in here instead: open.substack.com/pub/thoughts...
open.substack.com
The BBC’s anti-migrant news spree, dissected
this is not the article I had planned to write today...
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Kalayaan @kalayaan.org.uk · 08/04/2026
For 14 years, the UK’s restrictive Overseas Domestic Worker (ODW) visa regime has trapped migrants in a system that enables modern slavery behind closed doors. We’re standing alongside migrant domestic workers to demand a visa that protects them 👇️
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Work Rights Centre @workrights.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
You are likely aware that the national minimum wage goes up today💵 But what if you were working on a remote farm having traveled from Uzbekistan for the first time? Share this flyer to help seasonal workers know their rights on UK farms (RU version in link) www.workrightscentre.org/publications...
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Jon Featonby @jonfeatonby.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
The Home Office is currently consulting on removing accommodation and financial support from families who have been refused asylum, even if they've got nowhere else to go. But they won't tell anyone how many people they think will be impacted questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques...
questions-statements.parliament.uk
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
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Latin American Women's Rights Service (LAWRS) @lawrsuk.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
As part of this coalition, we've released a new briefing on how to make the Fair Work Agency work for all workers. A key priority is to ensure that migrant workers feel safe enough to report abuse. A robust firewall allows them to do so without fear. Read the briefing here! ⬇️
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Work Rights Centre @workrights.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
The Home Secretary has admitted their secretive policy demanding 'objective evidence' from potential trafficking or slavery victims was unlawful. A credible personal account is enough under the law. This is an important win for victims of trafficking or slavery ✊
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Bridging visas mean that workers whose immigration status is insecure or dependent on their employers can report exploitation without losing their immigration status. This is a cornerstone of being able to access rights
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Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Govt's plans to double (or more) the length of time it takes for migrants to qualify for settlement in the UK risks exacerbating child poverty, according to new analysis by @ippr.org Poverty will be prolonged for 60,000-90,000 children of foreign workers by 2029 www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
thetimes.com
Labour rebels to use child poverty data to fight migrant curbs
Allies of Angela Rayner highlight her comments on the party’s ‘moral mission’ as research estimates the effect of Keir Starmer’s indefinite leave to remain plan
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Focus on Labour Exploitation @focusonlabour.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Congratulations from all of us at FLEX to Marissa. Its great to see Marissa's groundbreaking work for justice for migrant domestic workers at @voiceofdws.bsky.social be recognised by @bigissue.com
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Sonia L @sonial77.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
There is very unlikely to be anything to vote on. Changes will be implemented via the immigration rules - secondary legislation subject to negative procedure. People (especially MPs) need to understand this. The Home Secretary is operating unchecked.
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Focus on Labour Exploitation @focusonlabour.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Great to see opposition to the proposed settlement reforms. In addition to moving the goal posts, proposals would lock people into decades of multiple dependencies on their employer, undermining the ambitions of the Employment Rights Act and Fair Work Agency www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Angela Rayner warns against 'un-British' immigration reforms
Most migrant workers will have to wait longer to qualify for permanent residence under the government's proposals.
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Sonia L @sonial77.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
I don't know where this narrative of "permanent" refugee status came from (right wing press), but it is wrong. The change is from a single grant of five years' leave followed by the ability to apply for settlement
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Praxis, for migrants and refugees @praxisprojects.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Today is the Mass Lobby for Migrant Rights. Hundreds are uniting in Parliament with one clear message for our MPs: scrap the earned settlement plans. There has never been a more important moment to stand with migrants and refugees. Support from home👉 www.praxis.org.uk/mass-lobby-s...
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Beyond frustrating that the goal posts for migrant domestic workers on the UK’s ODW visa keep being moved. It is unclear what a further review will add to the host of evidence from domestic workers that the original visa mitigated risks & gave options to access rights @kalayaan.org.uk #IWD
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Jon Featonby @jonfeatonby.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
The statement of changes to the immigration rules www.gov.uk/government/p... and the written statement (which goes wider than the rules changes) are now out questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
gov.uk
Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1695, 5 March 2026
Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules published on 5 March 2026.
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Having the right to work is of course very different to being compelled to work, possibly in restricted sectors/ circumstances which creates risks of exploitation #LiftTheBan www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Asylum seekers waiting over a year for claim in UK may be allowed to work under new measures
Shabana Mahmood hopes to reduce number of claimants in hotels by enabling them to support themselves
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Jesuit Refugee Service UK @jrsuk.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Senior Policy Officer, Dr Sophie Cartwright, has written for @bordercrim.bsky.social about access to legal advice in detention. JRS UK's research last year highlighted how difficult it was for people in immigration detention to access any legal support. 📖Read more: www.jrsuk.net/accessing-le...
jrsuk.net
Accessing legal advice in detention: becoming an impossibility | JRS UK
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Focus on Labour Exploitation @focusonlabour.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Today's announcement that, after today, people seeking asylum in the UK will be kept in long-term limbo creates unreasonable hurdles against integration and recovery for people who have already lost so much.
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Kate Roberts @k8roberts.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
It’s always brilliant to work with @voiceofdws.bsky.social & these recommendations for the Fair Work Agency are positive & practical & will help make sure the agency is relevant to & trusted by migrant domestic workers
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Focus on Labour Exploitation @focusonlabour.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
With Valentine's Day approaching, we are shining a light on how visa systems strip away the right to family life from migrant workers, effectively commodifying people. Migrant workers deserve the same right to enjoy love and family life as anyone else. labourexploitation.org/news/valenti...
labourexploitation.org
Valentine’s Day 2026: The Right to Love
Valentine's Day is a day associated with romance, family, and loved ones. Whilst usually debated in the realm of earnest romance versus corporate co-option for the sake of marketable holiday merchandi...
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Emiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Labour’s sister party in Spain doing the right thing from a humanitarian perspective, a social cohesion perspective and an economic perspective…. But of course mainstream UK politicians are allergic to evidence-based policy on immigration.
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Medical Justice @medicaljustice.org.uk · 21/01/2026
New report released today: "Politics over people?" - detailing how the UK’s “one in one out” knowingly harms and forcibly removes torture and trafficking survivors to France. Read the report here medicaljustice.org.uk/politics-ove...
medicaljustice.org.uk
Politics over people? - Medical Justice
How the UK’s “one in one out” knowingly harms and forcibly removes torture and trafficking survivors to France Medical Justice press release 21 January 2026 for immediate release Medical Justice today...
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