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Roma people in Govanhill and across Scotland make vital contributions to the local economy. Far from being passive recipients of services, many Roma individuals are hardworking members of their communities, often taking on demanding roles that keep essential industries running. You’ll find Roma workers in restaurant kitchens, factories, car washes, and in cleaning and domestic roles, jobs that are physically strenuous and often undervalued, yet crucial to everyday life.
For many Roma families, the UK offers greater access to employment compared to other parts of Europe, were racism and antigypsyism make it very hard for Roma to access employment at all. In comparison, the UK offers relatively more opportunities, but that doesn’t mean Roma workers are treated equally or fairly. Roma workers in Scotland still face significant challenges. Exploitation is not uncommon, particularly in low-wage sectors where legal protections are weakly enforced. Discrimination and racism, both subtle and overt, can make workplaces feel unsafe or unwelcoming. On top of this, job security is often limited, with many Roma individuals trapped in temporary or precarious work with little opportunity for progression.
This section of the website explores these realities in more depth highlighting the barriers to secure employment, the resilience of Roma workers, and the changes needed to ensure fairer access to decent, respectful work for all.
What Are the Barriers?
Several significant factors limit Roma people from accessing stable, long-term employment. One of the most pressing issues is language barriers. Limited English proficiency makes it difficult for many Roma individuals to navigate essential aspects of employment such as reading contracts, understanding their workplace rights, or even identifying job opportunities. This language gap can result in confusion, vulnerability to exploitation, and missed chances for advancement.
Another major obstacle is the lack of formal qualifications. Many Roma workers have not had the opportunity to complete formal education or obtain vocational certificates that are recognised in the UK. This is because segregation in the school in the country of origin and other factors like poverty or cultural barriers where education is not seen as important. Without these credentials, even experienced and capable workers may be overlooked for jobs or confined to low-skilled roles, regardless of their actual ability or work ethic.
Discrimination also plays a substantial role. Roma applicants frequently face bias based on harmful stereotypes rather than being evaluated fairly on their qualifications, experience, or willingness to work. This systemic prejudice limits their chances of being hired or promoted and often creates a hostile environment where they feel unwelcome or distrustful. In Europe countries only the surname can be enough to identify that person's job application as Roma and it could go directly to bin.
A further challenge is the lack of tailored support. Many employment programmes do not help with the Roma community’s native languages, nor do they take into account the unique cultural and socioeconomic realities of Roma adults. As a result, these programmes often fail to engage effectively or produce meaningful results.
There is also the persistent cycle of poverty, particularly among young Roma. Growing up in households where unemployment is common, many young people lack exposure to positive examples of working life. This can lead to low self-esteem, a limited understanding of job pathways, and a reduced belief in their own potential.
As one Roma individual put it, “People are not valued at work.” Despite being hardworking and dedicated, Roma employees often feel invisible and underappreciated in their workplaces. They are commonly overlooked for further training or promotion, reinforcing feelings of exclusion and limiting opportunities for advancement.
What Needs to Change?
To improve employment outcomes for Roma communities, several key changes must be made. First, there needs to be better support with language and training. This includes offering free, accessible ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes and vocational training programmes that are flexible enough to fit around work and family responsibilities. These services should be practical, culturally sensitive, and designed to empower learners.
Second, the enforcement of fair work rights must be strengthened, especially in sectors like cleaning, hospitality, and car washing, where exploitation is more common. Roma workers deserve the same protections as everyone else, and employers who fail to meet legal standards should be held accountable.
Challenging discrimination is also essential. Employers, job centre staff, and service providers need regular training to recognise and counter racism and antigypsyism. Creating an inclusive workplace culture starts with acknowledging prejudice and actively working to dismantle it.
Lastly, positive employment role models can make a powerful difference. By sharing success stories, offering mentoring, and creating apprenticeship opportunities, communities can inspire young Roma and show that a fulfilling, stable career is possible. Representation matters and seeing someone from their background succeed can help young people believe in their own future.
Building a Future with Dignity
Employment is more than just a job; it’s a step toward dignity, security, and belonging. Roma people want to work, contribute, and be respected. To build fairer communities in Scotland, we must recognise their contributions and remove the structural barriers that keep Roma families in cycles of poverty.
Survey on discrimination
Voices Exposed, Gypsy, Roma & Travellers Endure Widespread Discrimination
This comprehensive survey revealed that:
85% of Gypsy or Traveller men and 65% of Roma men were in precarious employment, compared to 19% of white British men.
47% of Roma people reported being racially assaulted, and 62% of Gypsies and Travellers experienced racial abuse.
These findings underscore the systemic barriers and discrimination faced by GRT communities in the UK workforce.
Information on employment hardship can be found here.
EHRC ‘Is Britain Fairer?’ Roma Factsheet - Employment Hardship & Discrimination Insights
The EHRC notes that Roma individuals often find themselves in low-paid employment, face discrimination in employment agency work, and are frequently employed informally for 'cash in hand'.
Scotland-Specific Insights
Discrimination in Employment, Education and Health Findings
While not detailing specific employment discrimination cases, this report acknowledges ongoing discrimination against Roma in the employment, education, and health sectors in Scotland.
Click below to find out more information about public prejudice.
The information below is about the persistent discrimination in the UK.
The information below is about why Roma should be recognised.
A Hidden Community, Challenges and Recognition of Roma Identity
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