ABSTRACT
The workplace has been identified as a significant conduit for migrant incorporation, ultimately allowing the families of migrants to regain lost professional status, a 'cost' associated with the migration process. This chapter explores different sites of exclusion that operate across social systems and the extent to which they impact on migrants' social income and wider social interactions. Individuals encounter these various systems throughout their daily lives, in the workplace and in their neighbourhood, when accessing services and information. The chapter focuses on the concepts of exclusion and inequalities as a means for understanding migrants' position in the labour market. It presents an overview of migrants within economic systems generally before moving on to consider Northern Ireland specifically. The chapter includes a description of the key features of the Northern Irish economy and of the legislative framework. Empirical data is used to gain a deeper understanding of migrants' experiences within that labour market, including how they are recognised within the market.
