The strength of the Irish education system has helped to reverse the trend of Irish people working in low-paid jobs in Britain. However, discrimination and prejudice still exists in the workplace, according to the author of a book on employment published yesterday.
Thousands of Irish workers have since the 1950s and 1960s been over-represented in lowpaid jobs. This is despite the fact that they have a "huge cultural heritage and a strong educational system".
The author, Ms Neasa McErlean, makes her observations in Get More from Work - and more fun. According to Ms McErlean, British employers now view the Irish accent as a "plus point", while the "excellence" of the Irish education system is widely regarded in Britain.
However, prejudices against minority groups continue to blight the lives of many employees. "In the past, we discriminated against women, married women and people who were black. Now we discriminate against people who are gay, disabled and people who are poor."