A change in government policy that means funding is no longer available for
work-based training for refugees has been slammed by the Refugee Council.
Training bodies had been able to apply to local authorities for grants to
run vocational training schemes for asylum-seekers to prepare them to step
straight into jobs when they gain refugee status.
But after the National Asylum Support Service replaced local authorities as
the body responsible for asylum-seekers’ housing and living costs, funding is
now only available for basic language and literacy initiatives.
As a result of the reorganisation, the Refugee Council, which runs courses
in IT, accountancy and health and social care, cannot get government funding
for future vocational training.
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Fazil Kawani, the council’s communications director, said, "On average,
it takes well over a year for the Home Office to make just an initial decision
on status and the whole process of getting a final decision can take even
longer. It’s a waste of time if people can’t train for work while they are
waiting."
A Home Office spokesman said the NASS has established a summer activity
project so that asylum-seekers can learn English and basic skills.
