The lifelong learning and higher education minister, Bill Rammell, today announced the launch of more work-focused English language qualifications for migrant workers.

The new English for Speakers of Other Languages (Esol) for Work qualifications should make it easier for employers and migrant workers to get the basic English language skills they need at work.

The new shorter qualifications are supposed to give learners practical English skills in key workplace matters, such as customer service and health and safety.

Esol for Work forms part of a wider government drive to address the challenges faced by people without English as their first language, and their employers.

The launch of these work-focused qualifications comes in the wake of a government decision to end the right to free classes for migrants, which came into force last month. Ministers want to focus language provision on people who have been given permanent leave to remain in the UK and who can contribute to the economy.

The idea behind the new qualification is that they will make it easier for employers and workers who need English skills quickly to get tailored provision and bypass the long waiting lists for traditional Esol courses.

The cost of the new Esol for Work courses (£880) will continue to be part-funded by government. Learners or employers will have to pay £330 towards the cost.

Speaking at the launch event at Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College, the biggest provider of Esol education in the UK, Mr Rammell said: "Everyone who works in this country should be able to communicate effectively in English.

"Those communication skills are essential to an individual's ability to progress and integrate in life and work. Migrant workers make an important contribution to the economy and it is crucial they can contribute effectively and with good English skills."