Migrant workers face rental block

By Guy Lynn|BBC News

Estate agents are flouting race relations laws by discriminating against migrant workers on behalf of landlords, a BBC undercover investigation has found.

Firms in Boston, Lincolnshire, were found using illegal techniques to stop foreign workers viewing properties.

Three agents rejected a Polish worker sent by the BBC, while a BBC employee was allowed to view the properties.

One firm denied it discriminated in this way, while another said it had created a new race-relations policy.

There is no suggestion that the agents themselves are racist, but the behaviour uncovered has been described by human rights lawyers as a “disturbing and shocking” breach of the Race Relations Act of 1976 – which applies to England, Scotland and Wales.

This act outlaws discrimination on the basis of race, religion, colour, religious beliefs, national or ethnic origins.

Any discrimination against potential tenants or any plan to do so agreed with a landlord is also a breach of the National Association of Estate Agents mandatory code of practice for its members.

‘Problems’

Initially, migrant workers had complained to the BBC that they were having problems gaining access to rental properties.

One of those was Greg Pacha who arrived in the town nine years ago from Poland.

“Sometimes they tell you behind the office, ‘Oh, you are not English, then?’ What does that mean, oh? Does that mean I can’t get the place? I could tell you 100 different stories but just change the name of the agent,” he said.

View full article here