A coalition of more than 40 large businesses has told the government it has up to 10,000 jobs available for Ukrainian refugees. The consortium of businesses, which is being co-ordinated by entrepreneur Emma Sinclair, includes M&S and recruitment giants Robert Walters and FDM, as well as jobs firm Impellam. They are working to ensure Ukrainians secure visas, but also suitable accommodation and even language training. Large high street companies were this weekend in talks to join the coalition.
Morrisons said it has contacted the Home Office to offer its assistance in providing jobs for refugees. The supermarket chain said it could provide hundreds of jobs in positions ranging from butchers and fishmongers to shop-floor staff and warehouse operatives.
Provided refugees meet the eligibility to work criteria, the Co-Op said it would welcome applications for 3,300 vacancies, primarily in its food business.
Last week, Tesco made 1,400 roles available for refugees in its central European business, where it is establishing a Ukrainian language recruitment helpline and providing language training for successful applicants.
Online fashion retailer Asos is examining whether it could recruit Ukrainian refugees for IT engineering roles in the UK, given the country’s reputation for proficiency in tech. Similarly, a Sainsbury’s spokeswoman also said that the retailer could offer jobs in its tech and online grocery teams.
This action is to be applauded, and no doubt many more firms have become involved and made similar pledges.
So far, only 1,305 Ukrainian refugees have been handed visas under the Home Office’s family migration scheme.
