Refugees set to be recognised within Jobcentre Plus jobs target

Refugees and other disadvantaged groups will be explicitly recognised within Jobcentre Plus’ jobs target for the first time under new government plans unveiled today.

The announcement will be made by Margaret Hodge, the minister for employment and welfare reform, in a speech to the National Refugee Integration Forum in London this morning.

Ram Gidoomal, chairman of the Employability Forum, who will chair the conference in Westminster, said refugees wanted to work and contribute to British society.

“We need to be much more determined to break down the barriers which prevent this,” he said. “This means working harder to match people with jobs and also clarifying with employers that refugees have permission to work in the UK.”

A recent survey in London showed that out of 894 refugee doctors, only 20% were working. The British Medical Association said there are more than 1,000 doctors on its refugee doctor database.

“Too many refugees end up in jobs which fail to reflect their capabilities – the opportunity is lost for them to contribute to the UK’s need for skills,” Gidoomal said.