Refugees into Jobs, the Wembley-based agency that helps
refugees and asylum seekers find work in the UK, is to receive central funding
from the Home Office for the first time.
The agency will receive £350,000 per year for the next three
years.
It has become an effective force in tackling the issues that
refugees and asylum seekers face. Since being set up in 1997, Refugees into
Jobs has assisted approximately 2,000 clients from 64 nationalities in Brent
and Harrow, 35 per cent of whom are known to have secured a job.
The agency estimates its services have reached 40 per cent
of the refugee and asylum seeker population in the area.
Refugees into Jobs now plans to expand its services into West
London to reach the refugee and asylum seeker population in Hillingdon,
Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow.
"Today’s announcement is excellent news for the
capital’s growing population of refugees and asylum seekers, allowing us to
expand our services and help more people to secure employment in future," said
Dr Anba Ali, director of Refugees into Jobs.
Refugees into Jobs provides a mixture of in-depth guidance
and counselling, a Job Club, financial assistance for clients during training
and the first month in a new job as well as assistance for clients who wish to
set up their own business.
It operates as an employment agency, building links with
local employers, holding recruitment fairs and providing them with advice and
guidance with regard to the employment of refugees and asylum seekers.
It also runs a Medical Journal Club, helping doctors and
medical professionals to requalify and secure employment in the UK. To date the
agency has advised and worked with 170 doctors, 41 of which are known to have
secured employment so far.
"Refugees into Jobs is an organisation which has a
clear focus and plays a very practical and important role by helping a wide
range of refugees in to work," said Ann John, Leader for Brent Council.
"Job-seekers who are not familiar with the UK labour
market need consistent advice, encouragement and support so that they can make
the most effective use of their skills and experience," she added.
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