A job fair was hosted at the Kia Oval cricket ground, where nearly 1,000 refugees connected with major UK employers to fill open positions. The initiative was led by global recruitment platform Indeed, in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency, the Department for Works and Pensions, and the Tent Partnership for Refugees. The event aimed to aid local jobseekers in finding work, concentrating on refugees. Attendees were provided with access to CV and career guidance, networking opportunities, as well as registration for interviews with actively hiring companies. Over 500 job positions in multiple industries were made available to refugees, with various employers such as Amazon, The Body Shop, Lidl, Marriott International, NHS, and Starbucks present at the event.
The United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that more than 365,258 refugees and people in refugee-like situations are currently residing in the UK. Research shows that only 51% of refugees are employed, compared to 73% for UK nationals and migrant populations. To address the issue, global recruitment platform Indeed and the Tent Partnership for Refugees have organized multiple job fairs across Europe to help integrate refugees in their new countries of residence through employment. Thousands of jobseekers have already attended events in cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, and Milan, with more happening in Berlin and Amsterdam later this month.
UK Managing Director at Indeed, Bill Richards, stated that the company’s mission’s is to help everyone find a job, and it is committed to breaking down barriers that may make it difficult for refugees to connect with employment. Jen Stobart, Director for the UK at Tent, added that many refugees face numerous challenges such as language barriers, lack of recognition of qualifications, and lack of social and professional networks, making it important for the business community to step up to address these issues.
Bdaily, a senior correspondent, reported on the event.
