Undercover as a home care worker in France: 'The family count on me. The emotional strain makes me cry' | Saša Uhlová
In Marseille, I find agency bosses desperate to fill shifts, families desperate to secure care for loved ones and a system that places no value on the work
- Who keeps Europe’s wealthy west going? Underpaid, invisible migrants from its east – and I went undercover to find them
- Undercover as a farm worker in Germany: ‘My hands are numb. No one knows when the shift will end’
- Undercover as a hotel cleaner in Ireland: ‘Lifting the heavy mattress, I cry tears of rage and exhaustion’
I have been in Marseille for three weeks, working undocumented in the social care sector. There’s a heatwave and it is hard to breathe. I chose caring for older people because it is badly paid across the EU. Nevertheless, women from poorer eastern European countries often move for such jobs because there is a shortage of staff and wages are still higher in the west.
When I finally get all the paperwork together to get a legally recognised job, I approach two agencies in the city. Both call me immediately to arrange a date for a job interview.
Saša Uhlová is a staff writer at the Czech online daily Deník Alarm. Reporting for this series was supported by the The Endowment Fund for Independent Journalism. Names have been changed. The project’s accompanying documentary, directed by Apolena Rychlíková, is Limits of Europe
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
Continue reading...Date: |
Topics
-
The Guardian - World
I want to be a stay-at-home mum, and feel angry that society won’t let me | Ask Annalisa Barbieri
Establishing a family and feeling anchored are natural desires, but pinning hopes on a mythical happily-ever-after future will not guarantee self-fulfilment. Every week Annalisa Barbieri ...56 minutes ago -
MarketWatch - Business
‘He forced me to take Social Security at 62’: My husband inherited millions, but never gave me a penny. If I divorce him, would I get any of it?
“We have five rental properties — two of them were inherited — and the rental money goes into a joint checking account.”5 hours ago -
Yahoo Sports - Sports
Oscar Robertson recounts time he got a telegram from KKK saying if he played 'they’re going to shoot me'
He played in the collegiate Dixie Classic but faced incredible abuse on the court and a death threat off it.11 hours ago -
ABC News - Entertainment
Arundhati Roy's first memoir, 'Mother Mary Comes to Me,' to be published in September 2025
Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy’s first memoir is coming out next fall, a book inspired by the death of her mother52 minutes ago -
MarketWatch - Business
I’m wife No. 4. My husband’s first wife is owed 50% of his federal pension when he dies. Where does that leave me?
“Going through some old paperwork, I found the divorce decree from his first wife.”4 hours ago -
CBS News - Top stories
Shohei Ohtani makes MLB history with 50 home runs, 50 stolen bases in single season
L.A. Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hit a historic milestone. He's the first player in the MLB to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season.1 hour ago - MLB -
The New York Times - Lifestyle
Jun Takahashi of Undercover on His Collaboration with GU
GU, Uniqlo’s trendier sibling, is opening its first store outside Asia in SoHo, collaborating with the subversively witty Jun Takahashi of Undercover.Yesterday
More from The Guardian
-
The Guardian - World
Middle East crisis live: IDF carries out ‘targeted strike’ on Beirut after Hezbollah pounded northern Israel with rockets
Israeli military says it has carried out a ‘targeted strike’ on the Lebanese capital after militant group fired more than 100 missiles . A pro-Palestinian protester wearing a keffiyeh scarf has ...28 minutes ago - Israel -
The Guardian - World
Revealed: Russia anticipated Kursk incursion months in advance, seized papers show
Exclusive: Documents contain months of warnings about possible Ukrainian advance and also reveal concerns about morale. Russia’s military command had anticipated Ukraine’s incursion into its Kursk ...10 hours ago - Russia -
The Guardian - World
Israeli soldiers filmed pushing bodies of Palestinians off West Bank roof
IDF says its is reviewing the incident, which took place during a raid in the town of Qabatiya. Middle East crisis – latest news updates Israeli soldiers have been filmed pushing three ...1 hour ago - Israel -
The Guardian - World
‘A monster’: lawyers for Mohamed Al Fayed’s alleged victims liken case to Savile
Barristers acting for 37 women announce intention to bring civil case against Harrods over late owner’s alleged abuse. The former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed was a “monster” whose sexual abuse ...3 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
South Carolina to execute man despite bombshell admission from key witness
Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah, 46, appeals for clemency from governor as co-defendant says he lied at trial. South Carolina is set to execute a man on death row on Friday, days after the key ...3 hours ago