Refugees Can Bring Skills to Boost London's Economy
Many refugees arrive in London with an abundance of skills, qualifications and experience - all of which could be of benefit to UK employers at a time when the capital faces skill shortages in many sectors. A 2006 survey by the CBI and KPMG highlights that sixty-one per cent of employers are facing skills shortages.
It is generally recognised that employment is essential for status, independence, inclusion and integration, and contrary to public perception, few of those who arrive in Britain have any enthusiasm for relying on benefits. And yet, because of the many obstacles to finding work, refugees remain an untapped resource, making it difficult for them to integrate fully into society.
Although a small number of refugees are successful in the search for work, those who do find work are more likely than not to be placed into unskilled, low-paid employment.
Below LORECA highlights some key reasons why London's employers should tap into this skilled workforce, and several positive examples of companies that have actively recruited from refugee communities.
The Business Case for Employing London's Refugees
London is a diverse city, with communities from 90 different nationalities, speaking over 300 languages.
Refugees constitute up to 5% of London's population, and despite the policy of national dispersal, many refugees continue to settle in London (Greater London Authority estimate).
Why recruit from refugee communities?
- Diverse workforce: Hiring refugees contributes to creating a diverse workforce, which is essential for today's employers to comply with equalities legislation
- Customer base: Refugee communities represent potential customers and clients, so having employees from these groups can help business to break into new markets.
- Public procurement: Increasingly, the awarding of public contracts will be linked to companies' diversity policies.
- Olympic Opportunities: East London is home to many refugee communities that would like to participate in the region's regeneration. Tapping into this interest at an early stage is vital.
- Dedicated workforce: Some employers have reported that their refugee staff are of a high-calibre; committed with a strong work ethic.
Positive Examples
Health Professions
The British Medical Association, the British Dental Association and the Royal College of Nursing are all working to promote and facilitate the employment of refugee health professionals. (Source: ROSE website)
Maxitech
Maxitech, an IT company, has a highly successful work placement scheme provides refugees and other individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with valuable work experience in the IT sector. Participants have gone on to secure jobs at Blue Chip IT companies, including Siemens, IBM and Fujitsu. Managing Director Peter Paduh has committed to doubling his work placement scheme from 100 to 200 individuals this year.
(Source: LORECA/REETA Refugee Employment Conference 2006)
Noon Products
Noon Products Limited, based in West London, manufactures ready-made meals. The company has around 1,000 employees, of whom two-thirds are committed and loyal refugees.
(Source: Veena Kapila - Noon Products)