Birmingham's Polish workers targeted by lawyers - 14 January 2008
A law firm has opened a Birmingham unit to support the rising number of Polish workers who may suffer injuries at work.
Russell Jones and Walker will help and advise Poles working in the city on personal injury claims.
The firm claims workers are at risk from workplace dangers such as health and safety issues, which could be caused by the language barrier.
Headed by Richard Geraghty, a personal injury partner, the team also includes two native Poles, Patricia Westwalewicz and Karolina Bebenek both of whom are legally trained.
Mr Geraghty said:
"We think we can offer a valuable service. Many Poles are unfamiliar with the UK's approach to health and safety issues, they may not understand their rights.
"They need access to justice in the same way as every other citizen does, but language may be a barrier."
Alan Weaver from the Midlands TUC, who runs weekly drop-in advice sessions at the Polish Catholic Centre in Digbeth, added:
"We certainly have concerns for the safety and health of migrant workers as obvious problems - such as understanding briefings, warning signs and calls to alert in case of danger - could be misunderstood because of the language barrier with potentially serious consequences."
Source: Birmingham Post
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