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Multicultural workforce

Guidelines

Effective communication with employees whose first language isn't English can present challenges for health and safety procedures, interaction with colleagues, training, briefings and teamwork. The guidelines below provide some pointers for tackling these challenges - and it's also worth thinking about cultural and other issues.

Use simple language

Consider which method of communication is easier for workers to understand and adapt your communications accordingly. CITB-ConstructionSkills has produced a leaflet with basic hints for improving spoken and written communication with employees whose first language isn't English. Although the leaflet was developed specifically for the construction industry, many of the guidelines can be used for companies in other sectors too.

Download the simple guide to clear communication produced by CITB-ConstructionSkills (55KB, PDF)

Translate important notices into the employee's own language

This is particularly important to avoid a breach of Health and Safety regulations. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and TUC have published a safety leaflet (and many other publications) translated into different languages.

Find out more about language services such as translation.

Health and Safety Executive’s telephone interpreting service

The HSE's Language Services Unit covers over 100 different languages. To use the service, non-native English speakers should contact the Infoline on 0845 345 0055, and tell the operator which language they wish to speak.

Find out more about language services such as interpreting.

Information, advice, guidance and learning materials in community languages and for migrant workers

Diversity Works for London (DWfL) helps businesses to harness the benefits of a diverse workforce and supplier base. Visit www.diversityworksforlondon.com.

The Multikulti website aims to support citizenship through the delivery of culturally appropriate and accurately translated information in the following areas of welfare law - debt, employment, health, housing, immigration and welfare benefits. Go to www.multikulti.org.uk.

The Migrant Gateway website is for migrant workers and employers, trade unions and other agencies who work with them: it collects the legal information about rights as an employee or a worker, rights to housing, immigration status, healthcare, and more. Visit www.migrantgateway.eu.

English for Speakers of Other Languages

Support employees who would benefit from attending courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). The Network has some very useful resources for businesses dealing with basic skills issues, such as language and literacy. Visit the London pages of The Network.