When the topic of hiring imported labour comes up, it often triggers a set of wrong assumptions. There’s a lot of talk about cost cutting, about replacing local talent, or even lowering standards. But behind the headlines and heated debates is a reality that’s far more human and far more nuanced. At Aureol Global Connections, we’ve seen this first-hand, particularly through our work connecting UK and Irish businesses with skilled Filipino workers in sectors such as engineering, construction and manufacturing.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most persistent myths surrounding imported labour and explore why when it comes to an imported labour workforce, there’s another story to tell, one rooted in dedication and a respect for the work they do and the businesses they’re employed in.
Myth 1 – Imported Labour Means Cutting Corners
One of the most common misunderstandings is that bringing in overseas workers is about cutting costs or compromising on quality. In reality, hiring imported labour (especially skilled professionals from the Philippines) is often about meeting and going above existing standards, not lowering them.
Many UK and Irish industry sectors, particularly engineering and construction are facing long-term skill shortages with an inability to meet targets set by governments (such as housing). It’s not a question of choosing foreign over local, but of finding workers who are genuinely equipped for the job with minimal downtime. Filipino tradespeople often come with years of training, international certifications and hands-on experience. They are not just ready to work – they’re ready to be part of a business for the long haul.
Myth 2 – They’re Just Temporary Solutions
Another belief is that imported workers are short-term fixes for long-term problems or labour demands. But anyone who has worked alongside a Filipino colleague will know this isn’t how they approach employment.
Loyalty runs deep in Filipino work culture. There’s a strong sense of duty, not just to their employers but to their teams, their families back home and the reputation they carry as representatives of their country. Many develop long-standing bonds with their employers, contributing meaningfully to business growth and culture. They’re not just passing through – they’re building a life for themselves.
Myth 3 – Communication and Culture Will Be a Barrier
Yes, there are always differences when people from different backgrounds work together. But difference isn’t a barrier – it’s an opportunity for all involved.
Filipino workers often speak fluent English, thanks to both formal education and a culture that values global engagement. More importantly, they approach communication with humility and clarity. In environments like construction this makes a big difference. Instructions are understood, feedback is taken seriously, and pride in doing a job well isn’t just about technical accuracy, it’s about being part of something with the business.
What’s more, respect is embedded in Filipino workplace behaviour. Elders, superiors and even colleagues are treated with a level of regard that’s both refreshing and sometimes disarming. This helps create environments where collaboration can thrive even across cultures and an education for all involved about more than their local area and people.
Myth 4 – They’re Not Invested in the Business
Here’s a quiet truth that many employers discover once they bring in overseas talent – especially from the Philippines. These workers care. Often deeply as they’re invested in their own success and they see their work performance as the biggest way of promoting themselves.
This comes from more than just professionalism. For many Filipino workers, employment abroad is a chance to support their family, send their children to better schools and build a better life. This doesn’t just create a strong work ethic, it creates an emotional investment. The job isn’t “just a job” to them. It’s a lifeline, a responsibility and often a source of great personal pride for them and their family.
Employers who take the time to understand this usually find themselves with workers who go above and beyond, who treat company values as their own and who stay through thick and thin.
Myth 5 – Hiring Overseas Is Too Complex
It’s true that the logistics of hiring internationally aren’t always straightforward. There are visas, compliance, onboarding and support systems to consider. But that’s where partnership matters.
When you work with a specialist such as ourselves (and one that takes their duty of care seriously), you’re not taking on a mountain of admin. You’re building a pipeline of skilled, ready-to-integrate professionals who are supported from the moment they consider applying, to the day they step on site, and beyond.
At Aureol Global Connections, we’ve learned that ethical recruitment means doing the heavy lifting but not just for clients, but for the candidates too. That includes cultural orientation and pre-departure training. When it’s done right, everyone wins in the long term.
So, what’s the real story?
The reality of imported labour (especially when we talk about Filipino talent) isn’t one of compromise. It’s one of collaboration. It’s a story about how their skills can meet your industry’s demand. About how loyalty, humility and hard work can bridge gaps that help grow businesses. There’s also stories of how employers who once had doubts now speak with pride about the people who’ve become some of their most trusted team members and couldn’t function operationally without them.
It’s also about respect. Respect for their own work. For the courage it takes to leave their home to live and work abroad. Also the bonds that are built not through sales pitches or quick fixes, but through them showing up for your business – day after day, project after project and doing the work with all the skills and experience they’ve accumulated.
Looking Ahead
The UK and Ireland’s workforce challenges are real, and they’re not going away soon. But the solution isn’t about looking inward or closing off possibilities. It’s about widening the lens and seeing the value that global talent can bring where the challenges have .
Filipino workers in particular, have a long-standing reputation for being skilled, dependable and gracious. They don’t just fill gaps – they elevate teams. They bring a sense of purpose that’s both practical and inspiring. And more often than not, they remind us what a privilege it is to build something together.
To speak to us about how we can help you grow your team, get in touch with our team today.
