LORECA Launches Policy Briefing Series
LORECA has issued the first in a series of policy briefings, which will examine issues affecting refugees’ employability.
The first briefing looks at temporary leave, which was introduced in August 2005. Refugees now receive a 5-year stay rather than indefinite leave to remain in the first instance. There are concerns that this policy may have a detrimental effect on refugees' ability to integrate into the UK. This briefing explores the main issues around refugee employability that may be affected by the new policy.
To download the document and find out how you can get involved in monitoring this policy, visit our policy page.[19/10/06]
Summary and recommendations of the Routes to Employment & Enterprise Conference now available.
A summary and recommendations from the 3rd REETA Employment Conference, in association with LORECA, is now available.
This report provides an update on strategic developments around refugee employability in London over 2006, including the creation of the Mayor's Board for Refugee Integration.
The report includes a summary of the event and recommendations from the day. If you would like a hard copy, please contact us.
Download the Routes to Employment & Enterprise Conference Report (745 KB)
[05/10/06]
Young Business Person of the Year Announces Expansion of Refugee Work Placement Scheme
"Routes to Employment & Enterprise: A Journey Planner for London’s Refugees", a conference jointly hosted by LORECA and Refugee Employment, Education, Training and Advice Partnership (REETA), was held on 24th March 2006 at the Civic Suite, Lewisham Town Hall.
Practitioners who work to support refugees into employment met at the event to discuss future strategic developments in London’s refugee integration agenda. Over 100 participants from across London attended the conference, which demonstrated the vast contributions refugees could make to London’s economic development if London employers tapped into this skilled workforce.
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Pictures (L to R): Peter Paduh makes the keynote speech; Group feedback; Armando Pardo (Association of Community-Based Business Advice) addresses a panel session.
The keynote speaker was Peter Paduh, the Managing Director of Maxitech, a non-profit social enterprise which recycles and refurbishes IT and electronic equipment. Peter gave an inspirational account of his journey from young refugee to successful entrepreneur. Maxitech, which has won several awards, has developed a highly effective IT work placement scheme for refugees, and plans to expand the programme from 100 to 200 individuals this year. Peter himself was awarded Young Business Person of the Year 2005 by the London Chamber of Commerce and ITV. Peter Paduh said: "Because I personally found it so difficult to find opportunities in a new country to fulfil my dream of starting my own business, I decided to offer these job placement opportunities to refugees to give them that crucial chance that can make all the difference. The community in London has helped me so much since I founded Maxitech and it is great to be in a position to give something back now."
Jon Williams, co-ordinator of London Refugee Economic Action (LORECA) welcomed the encouraging success story Peter’s accomplishments demonstrated, particularly his commitment to providing refugees with work placements in his business: “Work placements can play a vital role in providing refugees with UK work experience that they need to be competitive in the workplace and demonstrate to employers the potential of refugees. Many of London’s refugees have excellent skills to offer, they just need to get their foot on the ladder”. In the coming months, LORECA will be developing a strategy to work with London employers on enhancing their recruitment of refugees.
REETA offers a successful refugee job brokerage project, in conjunction with REED in Partnership, which has placed almost 150 individuals into work. Abdullahi Mohamed, REETA project co-ordinator, states “Many refugees have undertaken a very difficult journey toward rebuilding their lives. We need utilise their potential, by carrying out skill assessments, building their confidence and supporting them to obtain suitable education, training and employment and enterprise opportunities.”
A representative of the Greater London Authority told the meeting about the Mayor of London's new role from Spring 2006 providing strategic leadership of refugee integration in London, and about how he plans to work with LORECA to develop a strategy for refugee employment in London. A conference report will be published shortly on the LORECA website, and circulated to the Mayor and other key stakeholders involved in London’s refugee integration.
[03/04/06]