Russian in the Fields: Interpreting for the UK’s Migrant Workforce

Farms, fields, packhouses – these are some of the settings we interpret in, often dressed not in suits and smart shoes, but in warm jackets and wellies instead. Why is that? Thousands of migrant workers travel to the UK every year to work in sectors such as agriculture, food production and manufacturing.

Once here, they may take part in worker welfare interviews, and for organisations conducting ethical recruitment assessments or labour standards audits, interpreters play an essential role.

Worker welfare interviews are designed to give workers an opportunity to speak confidentially about their experiences. Depending on the purpose of the assessment, discussions may explore how workers were recruited, whether they paid any recruitment fees and whether they have employment contracts. Other important areas include their accommodation and working hours, whether they know how to raise a complaint or concern, and their general wellbeing at work.

Many of these subjects are sensitive. Some workers may feel reserved or unwilling to share more than the bare minimum, so it is vital that they feel able to speak openly. A lot will depend on the interviewer, of course, but the interpreter also has an important part to play in ensuring that workers’ comments are interpreted accurately and impartially.

The interpreter’s role is never to investigate or influence what is being said. The right interpreting skills, together with an understanding of the relevant terminology and the context in which these interviews take place, allow the conversation to flow naturally.

Many migrant workers in the UK come from different countries but communicate in Russian as a common language. This is particularly true of workers from Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Some may say that this is a vestige of the USSR, but Russian also remains a lingua franca that allows people from different former Soviet republics to communicate with one another when they do not speak English.

At Talk Russian, my colleagues and I have extensive experience providing professional Russian interpreting for organisations conducting confidential worker interviews. Our experience of this specialist area means that we understand both the linguistic requirements and the importance of confidentiality, accuracy and impartiality.

If you are planning worker welfare interviews, ethical recruitment assessments or labour standards audits and require experienced Russian interpreters, please email us at enquiry@talkrussian.com to discuss your requirements.