The way immigrants were treated in Britain: 1949 onwards - Info sheet

The influx of immigrants from Commonwealth countries to Britain began to rise significantly during the late 1940s and 1950s. These individuals were drawn to the UK due to a lack of job opportunities in their home countries and Britain's urgent need for workers to fill roles in post-war reconstruction. The newcomers, who predominantly took jobs in sectors experiencing severe labour shortages such as healthcare and public transport, often settled in urban areas with more affordable housing options, including cities like Birmingham and London. However, despite their contributions, they were met with racial discrimination, facing challenges such as landlords who refused to rent to black and Irish tenants and employers who implemented 'colour bars' that excluded them from certain workplaces.

Although the British Nationality Act permitted people from the British Empire to settle in the UK, many black migrants from the West Indies were unprepared for the prejudices they encountered upon arrival. There was a reluctance among many politicians and members of the public to accept black individuals, even though they were coming from British Empire territories or ex-colonies. The job market proved particularly challenging for black immigrants due to widespread discrimination. This sentiment led to explicit 'colour bars' in employment, with some white individuals resistant to working alongside black colleagues. The Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963 highlighted such racial biases, as it was a direct response to the refusal of bus companies to hire black or Asian staff. These discriminatory practices and attitudes posed the question of fairness in job applications and the broader impact of immigration on British society over the last century, particularly in relation to the prejudice faced by many immigrants upon their arrival.