On Monday, 17 June, Central London Forward and its partners hosted a job fair for refugees at the London Metropolitan University in Islington. Representatives from 26 employers attended the event to meet refugee job seekers and break down barriers refugees face in finding work. The day marked the start of Refugee Week 2024 (17-23 June), an annual celebration of the contribution and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
Participating employers with open positions across London, including Andron Facilities Management, represented a broad range of sectors from hospitality, retail and healthcare to travel, facilities management and financial services.
Company representatives helped approximately 330 refugee job seekers learn about different industries, skill requirements and application processes for vacancies ranging from entry-level to highly skilled positions. Visitors also learned about specialist refugee services that can help them find employment.
Finding a job is a significant milestone for refugees as they seek to build a life in their new country successfully. Yet, refugees face many barriers to employment—from language skills to a lack of professional networks, transport, and childcare solutions to gaps in employment and education. In the UK, refugees have the right to work, but data published by the Commission on the Integration of Refugees suggests they are around 30% less likely to be employed than people born in Britain.
Hiring refugees is a win-win-win for refugees, companies and society as it is a sustainable way to help refugees integrate into their new host communities. Studies have shown that refugees stay at companies longer, companies hiring refugees are more attractive employers, and it enhances brand perception. Not only that, but with meaningful employment, refugees can live with dignity, rebuild their lives, and provide for themselves and their families.
The event was part of Greater London Authority’s No Wrong Door programme and delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Islington, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Ingeus, Reed in Partnership, Refugee Employment Network, Renaisi, Tent UK, and Westminster Employment Service. Islington recently achieved Borough of Sanctuary status in recognition of its support for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum now and in the future.
The companies that attended are listed in full here: Andron Facilities Management, The Adecco Group, Amazon, Canopy, Capital City College, Co-op, Cygnet Healthcare, Compass Group, City and County Healthcare Group, Chartwell Education, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Hilton, Homedotcare, HSBC, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, London Borough of Islington, Medirest Barnet Hospital, Johnson Matthey, Marriott International, Menzies Aviation, Facework Group CIC, A and L Restaurant’s T/A McDonald’s, Pret A Manger, Sodexo, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Single Homeless Project, Thames Water, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Tent UK, a new coalition of 70 major companies, including Andron, co-hosted the event.