Employers overlook skills of refugees

Schools and colleges are missing out on the knowledge, skills and experience of hundreds of potential teachers who have come to the United Kingdom as refugees when they fill job vacancies, the head of a task force said today.

Dr Robert Garnett, co-chair of the Refugee Teachers Task Force, said,

"Refugees seeking to work as teaching assistants and in administrative posts also face barriers arising from uncertainty and lack of experience in dealing with the issues among employers."

"There are similar problems for refugees seeking jobs across the education sector - in higher and further education, and in education organisations."

He was speaking at a conference to launch a hub - or information point - to signpost potential employers to expert organisations which can advise on issues including the employment status of refugees.

Creation of the hub, which is largely funded by the Department for Children Schools and Families, was among recommendations from the Task Force after a two-year investigation found that the information and support available for refugees is fragmented and uncoordinated.

It follows the launch of a website for refugees interested in becoming teachers or teaching assistants. The site offers a national database and an assessment tool to explore career opportunities in education at all levels by inputting personal experience and qualifications.

Dr Garnett, who is Director of Children's and Young People's Services in Nottinghamshire, said:

"Refugees are keen to start a new life in Britain, integrate, find work and contribute to our society. About one in three are highly skilled and knowledgeable with professional qualifications, and could boost the pool of talent available in specialist subjects such as physics and chemistry.

"However, employers may be unaware of them, or overlook them, while refugees are finding it difficult to understand the steps they need to qualify for teaching and other posts, and to identify suitable jobs to apply for. Both are missing out.

"This initiative is a step towards helping both employers and refugees to find the information and advice they need and open doors to new opportunities."

The information hub brings together more than 20 public and voluntary sector organisations in London involved in education, and in assisting refugees. It is managed by Beryl Randall at the Employability Forum

Members of the Work Place Learning Centre team are available to provide journalists and media organisations with expert comment on all aspects of learning at work.

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