Reed in Partnership is negotiating with the Government to expand the number
of action teams it operates to help get more refugees into work.
The company currently runs four action teams delivering the Government’s
Welfare to Work programme in unemployment hot spots.
It has been piloting its refugee services in Haringey, north London, and has
placed 100 refugees in employment so far.
It has worked closely with employers such as Arcadia Group and Stanstead
Airport to secure work experience placements and full-time positions. Local
businesses run by people of Turkish and Kurdish descent have also been
involved.
The action teams also run Lifestyle Clubs for refugees and asylum-seekers
that provide English tuition, simple H&S instruction and a social forum to
promote integration.
If the expansion negotiations are successful action teams will be created in
Glasgow, Sefton, Redcar, Cleveland and Liverpool.
The Haringey team would also be expanded to include immigrants from Somalia.
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Chris Melvin, managing director of Reed in Partnership, said, "We’ve
made a significant difference in Haringey and hope to do the same in other
areas.
"But there needs to be many more projects of this kind around the
country to release the full potential of those recently settled in the
UK."
