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Worker Registration Scheme

Question

Asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno

To ask Her Majesty's Government what benefits are available to European Union migrant workers who have joined the Worker Registration Scheme. [HL4434]

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The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Department for Work and Pensions (Lord McKenzie of Luton): Since 1 May 2004, migrant workers from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia (the A8 countries) have been required to register under the Home Office's Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) once they find work.

A8 nationals have worker status while they are working and registered with the WRS. While legally in work they may qualify for in-work benefits such as tax credits, child benefit, housing benefit and council tax benefit in the same way as other EEA nationals. Part-time workers may qualify for income-based jobseeker's allowance. A8 workers in registered employment may also qualify for income-related employment and support allowance if they are temporarily unable to work due to an illness or accident. Once they have completed 12 months' registered work, they will be eligible for the full range of benefits in the same way as other EEA nationals, providing they meet the qualifying conditions.

Zimbabwe

Question

Asked by The Earl of Sandwich

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have carried out, or intend to carry out, research into the number of farmworkers displaced by farm

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evictions in Zimbabwe; and what channels they will use for future assistance to farmworkers and small farmers in Zimbabwe. [HL4598]

Lord Brett: Since the formation of the inclusive government in February 2009, there have been a number of reported threats and violent or illegal incidents aimed at farmers in Zimbabwe. 3,000 farm workers have been evicted and displaced over the past two months. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is monitoring the situation closely and offering consular and other assistance as appropriate.

The Department for International Development (DfID) is providing wide-ranging humanitarian and other essential support to the poorest and most vulnerable across Zimbabwe, including both smallholder farmers and evicted farm workers. Our support includes:

£6.5 million of support to over 240,000 internally displaced people, as well as Zimbabwean migrants deported from neighbouring countries through the International Organisation for Migration (the UK is the largest donor);£10 million in last financial year towards supporting rural livelihoods and subsistence farmers, including making seeds, tools and fertiliser available to improve local harvests; and£500,000 for the re-integration of displaced communities into agriculture projects.

This year we have announced a £60 million package of support to the people of Zimbabwe, including a focus on boosting food security and helping the country to feed itself.

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