(Facilitated) Conversations from the frontline: qualitative multilingual research with EU migrant workers

In this chapter we explore the use of qualitative methodologies in researching groups referred to as ‘hard to reach’, especially those who have limited/no English language skills. We reflect on the use of qualitative research methods to enrich our understanding about everyday life and work experiences. In particular, we focus on EU migrant workers who exercised their EU free movement rights to move to the UK before Brexit. This focus is on those who came to Great Yarmouth (Norfolk, UK) to find work in the ‘3Ps’, picking fruit/vegetables on local farms, and packing meat and plucking poultry in local factories. We propose that in the context of labour law, engagement with qualitative research methodologies can create a deeper understanding and insight into (EU) migrant worker experiences on the factory line that might not otherwise be accessible. In this chapter we also outline our academic research collaboration with a local charity, GYROS, that supports low paid migrant workers in the East of England. Our chapter reflects on the benefits, challenges, and limitations of undertaking qualitative research with the support of a multilingual charity to gain access into some of the most marginalized people working in the UK.