People are really keen to get back to normal. Mostly they have work experience, from before, they have skills, it’s about adapting. It makes a massive change if you can support them rather than isolate them.
– Farzad
Did you know that most people cannot work in the UK while they’re waiting on their claim for asylum?
Refugees have skills, talents and energy that they can bring to our communities. They want to rebuild their lives and careers, after fleeing war and persecution.
But the people we support have to wait months, sometimes years for a decision on their asylum application. During which time, they are not able to work. Once they are recognised as refugees, they have just 28 days to leave their accommodation. This means finding somewhere to live and a job to support themselves.
Imagine having to do all of that while navigate a new country, new systems and a new language. Being able to find work is a real challenge for many refugees.
Given the right help, refugees go on to make a valuable contribution to our economy and in every area of our lives.
At the Refugee Council, we help refugees find jobs, rebuild their confidence and improve their skills. Read on to discover just two of the partnerships we run to help people find employment.
Abdisa received training from the Refugee Council
“Now I am studying and working. I would like to say thank you very much for giving me this chance.”
– Abdisa
Partnership with IKEA
The Refugee Council has been partnered with IKEA since April 2021. Together we deliver the UPPNÅ Skills for Employment Programme.
The programme gives refugees training and support, alongside a job placement at IKEA. This allows them to build up their skills and work experience. In Swedish, UPPNÅ means “to achieve” and we’re so proud of what our clients have achieved through this scheme.
Abdisa, originally from Ethiopia, came to the UK as a refugee. It was a challenge for him to find work:
“The Refugee Council gave me training online on how to write a CV, customer service, and how to prepare for an interview.
Then I got a place to work at IKEA for eight weeks with the recovery team and I really enjoyed it. My team welcomed me very nicely and helped me a lot.
After eight weeks I started as a permanent part-time worker and I joined the sales department. Now I am studying and working. I would like to say thank you very much for giving me this chance.”
The Refugee Council has been partnered with Starbucks since 2017
Partnership with Starbucks
The Refugee Council has been partnered with Starbucks since 2017. Since then we have helped hundreds of refugees, supporting them to learn about the labour market; develop job search skills like CV writing and interviewing, and customer service skills.
The Refugee Council holds a training course which takes place over two weeks, with three online sessions and an in-person taster day where the Starbucks team talks them through company values and culture. After attending all four sessions, they have an interview for a barista role with a Starbucks manager.
“I’m from Ukraine. I try to create a new community, I’m learning English, I try to find good people and a good atmosphere. We spent time learning about coffee, it’s interesting, and to understand how the company works. I hope to do my job well and love what I’m doing.”
– Starbucks Course Participant
These schemes are life-changing for people who are looking to find work and a place to live. It helps them to feel a part of their communities and grow their confidence in a new country
With your support, we can help change lives for the better. Please consider donating to the Refugee Council today.■
