1. Unions have accepted automation since there has been a shortage of blue-collar labour and, in any case, large firms guarantee most jobs (for men) until retiring age. BNC
2. The numbers of blue-collar foreigners are estimated to have increased five-fold last year and Justice Ministry officials say, privately, that there are close to half a million "illegals" in a nation of 120 million people. BNC
3. The largest section of blue-collar workers, those on grade three, are presently paid £215.31 basic plus an attendance supplement of £8.49. BNC