The Refugee Council and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have published new guidance for employers, outlining the documents required as evidence for entitlement to work in the UK.

The guidance sets out the rights of refugees in the workplace, appropriate documents to demonstrate refugees’ entitlement to work in the UK, and information on how refugees can apply for further leave to remain.

The guidance also includes useful signposting information for employers, including contact details for the Home Office employer enquiry helpline, the equality advisory and support service, the Refugee Council, the EHRC and Thompson Solicitors, a trade union law firm.

Lisa Doyle, Director of Advocacy at the Refugee Council, said:

“Refugees have so much to offer employers in terms of knowledge, skills, experience and resilience, yet too many of our clients face significant barriers to entering the workplace. We know that many employers are not aware of the process for employing refugees, so we’re delighted to publish this guidance in collaboration with the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

We hope this guidance demystifies the process for employers, and shows that it’s not difficult or complicated to employ refugees.”

Rosie Wallbank, Head of Guidance Interventions (Compliance) at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

“Refugees have a legal right not to be discriminated against when applying for employment. We hope this revised guide will help employers to avoid discriminating against refugees who apply to them for jobs, while complying with their obligations to check that workers are legally permitted to work in the UK.”