I agree with Philip Oltermann (Why Britain’s lovebombing of Berlin has failed, 7 January) that the UK will not solve the perceived immigration problem in Germany – but neither will it be solved in eastern Europe. The solution is here in the UK. Migrants do not suddenly arrive out of thin air, but are mainly recruited by agencies, often gangmasters, retained by British companies to find cheap labour to work in Britain. The gangmasters may advance the travel costs and organise accommodation, which results in a large number of people sharing a house or flat. The employer pays the gangmaster, but the gangmaster then deducts commission, travel, accommodation and sundry costs. If the government really wanted to reduce the number of migrants, it could ensure the minimum wage – preferably a living wage – is properly enforced. That enforcement should include companies employing and paying workers directly, not through gangmasters. If gangmasters have recruited the workers, then they should be paid a commission like any other employment agency, and that commission should be paid by the employer, not the employee. The main political parties do not want to solve the problem, but need to sabre-rattle because of Ukip.
Michael Gold
Green parliamentary candidate for Walthamstow
