As the UK commemorates Windrush Day on Sunday 22 June, the NEU pays tribute to the Windrush generation, who helped rebuild post-war Britain and whose lives, labour, and legacy continue to shape our society.
The Windrush generation, arriving from the Caribbean and from countries across Africa, Asia, and other global regions between 1948 and the 1970s, answered Britain’s call to help restore the nation after World War II. Their immense contribution to the NHS, public transport, industry, construction, and education helped transform Britain into the diverse and thriving country it is today.
Despite the service of the Windrush generation, many have faced injustice or wrongful deportation due to hostile immigration policies and racism and the Home Office scandal and the deeply flawed compensation scheme.
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"We haven’t learned the lessons from the Windrush scandal that harmed and let down so many people. As trade unionists we believe awareness still needs to be raised about this issue.
"This Windrush Day, the NEU salutes the grassroots organisations who are working so hard to provide advocacy and assistance to those affected by the Windrush scandal so they can access compensation and help to prove their status.”