How personal history shapes Nowak’s stance on migration policy
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, has called on Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to reconsider proposed migration reforms, arguing they risk creating unfair outcomes for migrant workers and their families. Speaking from personal experience, Nowak highlighted his own family’s history, noting both of his grandfathers arrived in the UK after World War II—one from Hong Kong and one from Poland—to build new lives. He emphasized that migration has long been a cornerstone of Britain’s social and economic fabric, warning that current policy shifts could undermine that legacy. Nowak made the remarks during a public forum on labor rights and immigration, where he stressed the need for policies that reflect both compassion and practicality. He argued that reforms should not penalize those seeking to contribute to society through work and community integration.
The TUC leader urged Burnham to engage directly with migrant communities and trade unions before finalizing any changes, insisting that inclusive dialogue is essential to avoid deepening inequalities. Nowak also pointed out that many migrants fill critical roles in healthcare, transport, and public services—sectors already under strain—and that punitive measures could harm both workers and the broader economy. He called for a balanced approach that upholds dignity while addressing legitimate concerns about system pressures.
Nowak’s advocacy is deeply rooted in his family’s journey to the UK. His paternal grandfather emigrated from Hong Kong in the late 1940s, seeking stability after wartime disruption, while his maternal grandfather arrived from Poland, part of a wave of European migrants helping rebuild postwar Britain. Both men found work in industrial sectors and settled in Manchester, where Nowak was later born and raised. He frequently references their experiences when discussing immigration, describing them as ordinary people who contributed through hard work and civic participation. This personal connection, he says, fuels his belief that migration policy must recognize the human stories behind statistics. Nowak argued that reducing migration to mere numbers ignores the generational impact of welcoming newcomers who become integral to local communities. He warned that policies lacking empathy risk repeating past mistakes, where migrants were welcomed for their labor but excluded from full societal belonging.
What specific changes does Nowak propose for Burnham’s migration reforms?
By anchoring his position in lived history, Nowak aims to shift the conversation from abstract debates to tangible human outcomes.
Nowak urged Burnham to pause and revise the current migration reform proposals, which he described as overly restrictive and potentially discriminatory. He called for the inclusion of migrant worker representatives in the design process, ensuring those most affected have a voice in shaping policy. Nowak also advocated for clearer pathways to settlement for essential workers, particularly in low-wage but vital roles such as care work and transportation. He stressed that any reforms must avoid creating a two-tier system where migrants are tolerated for their labor but denied long-term security or rights. Additionally, he urged Burnham to commission an independent impact assessment focusing on how changes would affect access to housing, healthcare, and education for migrant families. Nowak emphasized that policies should be evaluated not just on economic metrics, but on their social cohesion and fairness outcomes.
He concluded by offering the TUC’s support in developing alternatives that balance public concerns with humanitarian principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Paul Nowak believe his family history is relevant to current migration debates? Nowak says his grandfathers’ experiences show how migration has historically strengthened Britain through labor and community integration, and that today’s policies should honor that legacy rather than undermine it.
What sectors does Nowak highlight as relying heavily on migrant workers? He specifically mentions healthcare, transport, and public services as areas where migrants fill critical roles, warning that harsh reforms could destabilize these essential industries.
What does Nowak suggest Burnham should do before finalizing migration reforms? Nowak urges Burnham to consult directly with migrant communities and trade unions, include worker representatives in policy design, and conduct an independent impact assessment on social and economic effects.