What methods can be used to overcome barriers to labour market entry as experienced by refugees and asylum seekers?

A central element in the RIJ approach is the so-called roll-on-roll-off format ideally suited to the target group. The services delivered are very diverse and include information, advice and assistance, individual need assessments and action plans, key skills support, job search assistance, IT training and higher vocational training.

The project is delivered by Refugees into Jobs, an organisation dedicated to helping refugees into employment in the area. It builds on RIJ's successful experience in the aspects of design and delivery of services in this difficult field. RIJ works in close association with LB Harrow, LB Brent and Lifetime Careers.

The success of the service needs no further explanation: 90 percent of clients on the voluntary placement scheme have gained full time employment as a result of working as a volunteer and improving their skills. Over the past six years, Refugees into Jobs has assisted about 2500 clients of 73 different nationalities, with over 35 percent finding a job. The organizations financing the project include the European Social Fund, European Refugee Fund and the British Home Office. RIJ is hoping to build on its success through its programmes and initiatives like the Medical Journal Club, which was established to help refugee doctors re-qualify and find a job in the UK.

Refugees Into Jobs
Shree Mandke (Contract and Development Manager), tel. + 44 2089084433

05/08/2003

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Refugees