'Ignorance and hate will never win in our profession'
A social worker has written an open letter in support of workers from overseas in the wake of anti-immigration comments by Jim Ratcliffe.
Nana Yabbey-Hagan, a manager in a London borough team and social work podcaster, said BASW’s code of ethics had compelled him to speak out.
Last week billionaire Manchester United co-owner Ratcliffe caused controversy after claiming the “UK has been colonised by immigrants”.
In his open letter Yabbey-Hagan thanked diaspora colleagues in social work and other related professions in social care, health and education for their contribution to vulnerable children and adults.
Describing himself as a “super-proud” son of Ghanian immigrants, he said: “Jim Ratcliffe’s comments highlights the growing ignorance and rhetoric that continues to be strong, however his views and the views of others will never win and will never undermine the hard work and roles that our parents, grandparents and even us have played in our line of work.”
The social worker, who co-hosts the popular The Social Worker and the Mentor podcast, quoted BASW’s code of ethnics on social justice which states: “Social workers, individually, collectively and with others, have a duty to challenge social conditions that contribute to oppression, social exclusion, stigma or subjugation, and work towards an inclusive society”.
He added: “We must in our practice regardless of which level we are at continue to uphold this and stand against any rhetoric that continues to disrupt this.”
Radcliffe’s comments were widely condemned, including by the prime minister who said they were “offensive and wrong”.
But Reform leader Nigel Farage backed Ratcliffe, claiming “everything he said was right”, though questioned use of the word “colonisation”.
Ratcliffe later offered a muted apology, saying: “I am sorry that my choice of language had offended some people in the UK and Europe.”
His comments come against a backdrop of an increasingly hostile environment towards immigration.