It's fair to say Oldham is no stranger to immigration. It has transformed the town, a place that has witnessed a faster than average population rise between the last two Censuses (2011 – 2021) and where almost one in five residents (17.8%) were born outside the UK. So what do the prime minister's words mean here, when he warned that without changes to cut migration, the UK was at risk of becoming an "island of strangers"? Yorkshire Street runs straight through the town centre, and it's here where we met John and John. Between them they've been repairing roads in Oldham for more than 50 years. They welcome the government's pledge to reduce migration. "We're a bit overrun aren't we, with the NHS and everything," the younger John explains. "You can't get doctors or dentist. And housing for young people, you can't get on the market." The reason he gives for struggling to access these services is simple: "There's just too many people." But he recognises the country depends on overseas labour - "the country needs it don't it" - says the older John. "Where does the country go from here. In another 10, 15 years it's going to be a different place completely isn't it. " Concerns about the pace of change are not limited to those born and bred in this part of the Pennines. Hussein was born in Pakistan and moved here forty years ago. He now runs a thriving mobile phone shop at Tommyfield indoor market. He tells the BBC he is so frustrated with rising immigration he voted for Brexit in 2016 and has since written to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner about his concerns. "We are already short of jobs," he tells us. "If we are getting professionals from outside, what are you going to do about the professionals in this country? It means they're going to hurt the working class." Back on Yorkshire Street, we caught up with Michelle Delaney in the doorway of her charity, Project Pearl. "This used to be a pub, that used to be a pub, that up there was a pub and it's now a takeaway place," she says, pointing to at least half a dozen chicken shops, plus the same number again of Eastern European mini marts and Middle Eastern-run barbers. But Michelle is not worried about the post-Covid change on her high street. Her big concern is who will staff care homes and hospitals. "What will we do if we haven't got the nurses, and the doctors, the carers and all the others to do the jobs that they do, like they did with my Mum and my husband when they were ill," she tells us. "How will we manage?" And it's that question causing deep concern at Pennine Social Care on Union Street. Directors Violet Gutu and Elliot Sparks simply do not know how they will cope. Violet explains that 99% of her work depends on "foreign workers." "We have tried local recruitment but we've failed in many cases," she says. From their brightly painted offices, this care provision agency and charity works in multiple areas to support those with disabilities and mental health crises – from providing support workers or carers, to throwing the doors open for training and creative activities. Without their care, Elliot and Violet both say these vulnerable children and adults would be left to struggle almost completely alone. "The effects could be quite catastrophic." "The rules change but the responsibilities don't," Elliot explained. "We rely on good staff, with good hearts, who've given up their lives, their families to come here and take care of our vulnerable people." Violet, who came to the UK herself from Zimbabwe over twenty years ago, became emotional when explaining how proud she is of her staff. "So long as you're an immigrant there's no appreciation for you whatsoever. There's always backlash." The challenge for the government is to addressdeep public concernson immigration in the UK, without threatening public services.
The view on immigration from a town transformed by it
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Oldham's Changing Landscape: The Complex Impact of Immigration on Local Services and Community"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Oldham has experienced significant transformation due to immigration, with nearly 18% of its residents born outside the UK, reflecting a broader national trend. The town's population has surged at a rate faster than the national average between the last two censuses, prompting discussions about the implications of immigration policies. Local residents, including long-time road repair workers John and John, express mixed feelings about immigration. While they acknowledge the strain on public services such as the NHS and housing, they also recognize the necessity of overseas labor for the country's economy. Their concerns highlight a common sentiment among locals who feel overwhelmed by rapid demographic changes, fearing that their community may become unrecognizable in the coming years.
The impact of immigration is also felt by the local business community, as illustrated by Hussein, a Pakistani immigrant who has voiced his frustrations about job competition stemming from increased immigration. He highlights the need to prioritize local professionals in the workforce. Meanwhile, Michelle Delaney, who runs a charity, emphasizes the importance of immigrant workers in critical sectors like healthcare, expressing concern over future staffing shortages. The directors of Pennine Social Care echo these sentiments, stressing their reliance on foreign workers to provide essential care services. They warn that without these workers, vulnerable populations would suffer significantly. The challenge facing the government is to address public concerns about immigration while ensuring that essential services and support systems remain intact, highlighting the delicate balance needed in shaping immigration policies that reflect both community sentiments and economic realities.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores the complex views on immigration in Oldham, a town significantly affected by it. It captures both the challenges and the necessities that arise from a changing demographic landscape. The differing perspectives presented in the piece illustrate the tensions between concerns about service availability and the reliance on foreign labor.
Public Sentiment on Immigration
Local residents express mixed feelings towards immigration. On one hand, there is a sentiment that the influx of people has overstretched services like healthcare and housing. The younger John specifically mentions difficulties in accessing medical professionals, while Hussein, an immigrant himself, raises concerns about job scarcity for locals due to competition from overseas professionals. This reflects a broader anxiety in communities experiencing rapid demographic changes.
Political Context and Government Messaging
The article references the Prime Minister's warning about the potential dangers of unchecked immigration, framing it within a national narrative that suggests a need for policy changes. This aligns with a governmental push to reduce migration, tapping into public concerns about resource allocation. The language used indicates an attempt to resonate with constituents who feel overwhelmed by the pace of change.
Perception of Change and Future Prospects
There is a palpable fear of what the future holds, with residents and long-term immigrants alike expressing worry about the town's trajectory. The older John’s remarks about the future suggest a belief that the community will become unrecognizable, which is a common theme in discussions about immigration. This sentiment could lead to increased support for nationalist or anti-immigration policies in the area.
Community and Economic Implications
The article underscores how immigration can contribute to economic vitality through the establishment of businesses by newcomers, as exemplified by Hussein's mobile phone shop. However, there is also a clear undercurrent of economic anxiety regarding job prospects for the existing population. This duality could influence local attitudes towards immigration policy and economic strategies moving forward.
Manipulative Elements and Media Responsibility
While the article presents legitimate concerns, it may also selectively highlight voices that echo fears regarding immigration without adequately representing those who see the benefits. The inclusion of various perspectives is crucial, yet the framing could be perceived as skewed towards generating support for stricter immigration controls. The language used throughout may evoke a sense of urgency and alarm, which could be interpreted as manipulative.
In conclusion, while the article effectively captures a snapshot of Oldham's views on immigration, it also plays into broader political narratives that may amplify fears and anxieties. The reliability of the article is moderate, as it presents genuine concerns but may not fully encompass the spectrum of opinions on immigration's impact.