In response to the report of the TUC Commission on Vulnerable Employment published today, Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said:

“This is the latest in a series of independent reports calling for asylum seekers to have the right to work once they have been in the UK for six months. Current government policy denies people who have already lost everything in their flight to safety the dignity of work and the ability to pay their own way. Forced unemployment means people become depressed and de-skilled and so are unable to contribute to their full potential, either on receiving refugee status or returning to their country of origin. Many asylum seekers are highly skilled professionals, including teachers and nurses, and we will all benefit if they are allowed to put their skills to good use while in the UK “

“We also welcome the report highlighting the importance of English teaching to help workers out of vulnerable employment. We have consistently urged the government to review funding cuts for English classes for asylum seekers to help their early integration.”

Ends

Notes to editor

1. Find our more about our Right to work campaign

2. You can access the report here
http://www.vulnerableworkers.org.uk/files/CoVE_short_report.pdf

3. For further enquiries contact Bob Deffee on 020 7346 6712 bob.deffee@refugeecouncil.org.uk

4. For details of the TUC Report contact Rob Holdsworth RHoldsworth@TUC.ORG.UK