ABSTRACT
During their first few years in Britain the European recruits received a lot of support from local authorities, companies, churches and voluntary organisations. In line with the government’s approach to assimilation, these organisations focussed their activities largely on explaining British customs and bringing locals and foreigners together. The Ministry of Labour took responsibility for basic living conditions in the initial stage of this process. It organised members of the WVS or English speaking migrants, specifically employed for the purpose, to accompany the newly arrived workforce from the ship to their camps and hostels. Together with the National Service Hostels Corporation, the ministry was responsible for the reception and holding camps and state-run hostels. It organised food and clothing, ration books and clothing coupons as well as pocket money and medical assistance.1 The ministry also liased between the British public and the recruits, telling the public about them, and explaining to the foreign workers British habits and working practices. In collaboration with the Central Office for Information, it produced and distributed the brochures To Help You Settle in Britain, and Contemporary Life in Britain.
