Industrial language training for multi‐racial workplaces

It is well‐known that many immigrants from Asia and the Mediterranean area have communication problems when they are using English. It is misleading to suggest that this is true of all such immigrants; but there is a very substantial problem. We estimate there are up to 200,000 immigrant workers (Asians and others) in need of English language training in relation to their present jobs, or re‐employment if unemployed. In the past three years, 25 education authorities have established a special service — through FE or Adult Education — to assist industry with in‐company training programmes, to overcome the communication problems which exist in many multi‐racial workplaces.