Census Language Data

 

On 21 March 2021, the government will run a census about households in England and Wales. It is a useful survey conducted every 10 years that helps the government understand and plan for the public services but is also a useful source of information for businesses.

One of the census questions is about language spoken at home. This data is used to assess and inform policymakers if people who speak languages other than English have the same opportunities in employment and other areas.

Last census was conducted in 2011 and showed that the main language spoken in England and Wales is English. Polish was the second most spoken language in the country. 

Will the current census show the same data? Likely Polish will still be the second most spoken language, although the numbers of speakers may be lower due to Brexit. Some Polish families have left but fewer than expected. The Brexit will slow down the numbers of EU workers coming to work in the UK from now on. The new points system does not make it easy or cheap for the businesses to employ foreign workers. However, considering the difference in number of speakers of Polish and the next language on the list – Panjabi - it is unlikely that this gap would be closed so quickly.

Why is this data important to businesses?

For companies operating in food and drink or manufacturing sectors and employing workers for whom English is not their first language, it is advisable to consider H&S laws. Under H&S law workers do not break the law if they do not speak English, the employers however fail their duty if they do not provide comprehensible safety information to their staff. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that to ensure all employees understand safety documentation, the employer should provide them with a version in their native language translated by an accredited professional, if it is necessary. It is not sufficient to request that an employee signs the document that they do not fully understand or suggest they use an online translation tool - as far as the HSE is concerned Google Translator is not an accredited professional. Useful tips on finding a translator for H&S and HR needs are here.

Legal and financial services should also consider the data beneficial and insightful. If Polish is the second language spoken in England and Wales, that means that a firm may potentially be missing custom from a large proportion of the population by ignoring the language barrier. Many firms do not even consider having a website in another language, and if they do, they are more likely to choose French, which is 6 places below Polish in the ONS data. Most potential clients whose first language is not English, speak Polish and those people apply for mortgages, suffer accidents, get divorced, etc. They will look for those services online. They will want to book a consultation and will need their bank statements, tax returns, certificates translated and certified.

Beneficial partnerships

A partnership with an accredited translator can be extremely beneficial for the business. Being able to offer services with additional language option gives the company Unique Selling Point. Ensuring that workers have complete understanding of safety information meets the H&S legal requirements. As a Worcestershire business I want to help local companies break those language barriers and increase the opportunities of doing business with our Polish speaking community.