Bradford based business launches “crucial” refugee job scheme

Shipley based BlindsbyPost has launched a campaign to support Ukrainian refugees arriving in the Bradford area to give them a new start in the UK.

The scheme will see the online blinds retailer fast-track Ukrainians who have come to the UK and are seeking work in the local area. The opportunities will cover a variety of roles including factory-based jobs and administrative roles and staff will receive the national living wage at minimum.

Iryna is the first person to have been appointed through the scheme. She said: “Having the opportunity to secure a fulltime job and income has meant a lot to me when I’ve had to move away from my home country and my husband who has stayed in Ukraine.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived in the UK, but the job with BlindsbyPost has given me the stability I need to start building a new life with my daughter. I hope to see my husband again soon.”

Rob Higgie is a first responder who enables refugees to come into the UK and secure employment with local companies. BlindsbyPost has worked closely with Rob to raise awareness of the job scheme. Rob said: “It’s impossible to comprehend what Ukrainian’s and other people arriving in the UK as refugees have experienced.

“Businesses like BlindsbyPost play a crucial role in supporting these people and offering them some stability at a time of unprecedented conflict and upheaval. I’m grateful to Oliver and the other business owners I work with who have set up job schemes to provide much needed support.”

BlindsbyPost also supports young people in the UK struggling to secure full time employment. The company is part of the Government’s Kickstarter campaign which was established to fund employers and enable them to create jobs for 16 to 24 years olds on Universal Credit.

The scheme has proved successful for BlindsbyPost, with a total of four people having successfully completed training and entered into full time employment.

Oliver Hudson, director at BlindsbyPost, added: “As a Bradford based business it’s really important to us to offer employment opportunities to people in the local area. Having the opportunity to support people who’ve been impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine and young people who are struggling to hold down jobs is an honour.”

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