LCCI research investigates employment for Refugees in London's firms

A report published by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), in partnership with the Refugee Investment Network today, reveals that only 3 per cent of London businesses employed a refugee in their organisation. However, this figure rose to 14 per cent for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and 27 per cent for large businesses.

The report measured business attitudes which provided insights into the current landscape of refugee employment by London businesses. While refugees have the legal right to work in the UK, they often struggle with local professional networks, language skills, certifications, and integration support to realise their full potential in the job market.

21 per cent of surveyed London businesses cited finding qualified refugee employees as the biggest barrier to hiring a refugee. The second most common obstacle reported by 20 per cent of the businesses is the lack of knowledge associated with recruitment of refugees as opposed to concerns about refugee employees themselves.

Richard Burge, chief executive officer at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, “London’s very success is based upon its openness and diversity. For the business community, at a time when skills gaps are holding back business and economic growth, refugees can prove to be great assets to the London economy.

“The positive impact that employment can have on refugees and their communities is multi-fold and presents magnificent opportunities for London to boost its status as a great, global city with equal opportunities for all.”

Tim Docking, chief executive officer at Refugee Investment Network said, “Numerous countries are struggling to respond to large inflows of displaced people, who in turn, often find themselves displaced for decades, unable to join the formal market. Compounding this challenge is a common narrative that refugees present a burden on society.

“The UK currently has a tremendous opportunity to help change this false narrative while unlocking refugee self-reliance through Refugee Lens Investing (RLI).

“As the promising new LCCI/RIN study, “Employing Refugees: Measuring business attitudes in London” shows, there is both growing interest from the private sector and unmet demand for refugee data. This study begins to address the data gap, thus, setting an important precedent for further RLI research.”

The survey highlighted that refugee employment among London business community remained very low and concrete steps need to be taken to encourage employment.

There is significant room for improvement and if the rate of refugee employment is to be increased, businesses will need additional support. This would include information on legal requirements of firms when recruiting refugees, and how to adapt processes when recruiting and supporting refugee employees.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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