22 MIGRANT-LED GROUPS AND TRADE UNIONS CALL ON HOME SECRETARY YVETTE COOPER TO ADDRESS MIGRANT WORKER RIGHTS CRISIS
Joint letter demands urgent meeting to clarify the impact of new immigration proposals and protect migrant workers’ futures
[LONDON, UK, 30 JUNE 2025] – A powerful coalition of 22 migrant-led organisations, trade unions, and rights groups have signed a joint letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, raising urgent concerns over the impact of the Government’s Immigration White Paper and recent announcements on hundreds of thousands of migrant workers across the UK.
The letter – coordinated by Regularise on behalf of the Migrant Workers’ Rights Coalition – is backed by groups representing millions of workers across the UK economy, and is endorsed by senior representatives from each organisation. It highlights widespread fear and uncertainty triggered by sweeping reforms proposed in the White Paper, which has left key migrant communities unclear about their future security, inclusion and rights.
The coalition is calling for an immediate meeting with the Home Secretary to seek reassurances and ensure the Government is listening to the voices of migrant workers affected by the proposed changes.
“Migrant workers are vital to this country’s economy and society – yet the current proposals and rhetoric are creating fear, confusion, and division,” said a spokesperson for Regularise.
“We need clarity, respect, and urgent action to protect people’s rights and futures.
The Government’s approach to migration is already harming communities and British society as a whole — and it will cause further damage unless it changes course. The Home Secretary must meet with us urgently. We need immediate intervention and a clear shift in direction to ensure the human rights of our migrant communities are upheld and respected.”
Among those signing the letter are trade unions and grassroots organisations spanning sectors from care work and domestic labour to education, logistics, and food production. The signatories also raised alarm at increasing hostility and targeted action against undocumented workers – many of whom have lived and contributed to UK society for years.
The coalition warns that the current trajectory of immigration reform and enforcement actions risks not only undermining the wellbeing and safety of workers, but also damaging vital sectors already facing acute labour shortages.
Key demands include:
- Urgent clarification on how proposed reforms will affect existing migrant workers and those on settlement or citizenship pathways
- Protection of undocumented workers, who face rising hostility despite their vital roles in society
- Clear and accessible communication of immigration changes for all communities
- A formal meeting with the Home Secretary to hear directly from migrant communities and organisations
The joint letter will be officially sent to the Home Secretary at 8am on 30 June 2025. You can view the letter in full at this link.
Signatories include:
University and College Union (UCU)
Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS)
Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)
Pan-African Workers’ Association (PAWA)
Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU)
Kanlungan Filipino Consortium
Nanny Solidarity Network
Social Workers Union (SWU)
POMOC
Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB Union)
Work Rights Centre
United Voices of the World Trade Union (UVW)
Justice Is Not Seasonal
Refugee Workers Cultural Association
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)
Southeast and East Asian Centre CIC
India Labour Solidarity (UK)
Fire Brigades Union (FBU)
The Voice of Domestic Workers
MIGRANTE UK
Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX)
Regularise
Migrant Workers’ Rights Coalition
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About the Migrant Workers’ Rights Coalition
The Migrant Workers’ Rights Coalition is a growing alliance of over 30 migrant-led groups, trade unions, support organisations, and policy and research bodies working together to protect and advance the rights of all migrant workers across the UK.
To request an interview or further information, contact:
info@regularise.org