New Faces launches foreign affair

A Glasgow businessman has turned anti-immigrant sentiment on its head by launching a recruitment agency that not only hand-picks workers from Hungary and Poland but also sets them up with homes and cultural mentors.

Forty-two-year-old Sandy Devers officially opened New Faces International yesterday to coincide with the accession of 10 new countries to the European Union.

Devers will travel to Hungary this week where two of his staff have been busy canvassing companies and agencies for skilled bricklayers, heating engineers, nursing home staff and health workers.

As well as offering workers orientation on things like accommodation New Faces will provide mentors that ease the stress of working abroad with advice on neighbourhood services, language and cultural contacts.

He said: "The NHS has recruited Spanish nurses and then seen them all return home. Part of the reason is there is no follow-up care. I think this good improve retention levels."

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