Rights
All employment legislation, minimum wage, health and safety regulations and NI contribution payments, apply to refugees and asylum seekers in the same way they apply to all other UK employees, self-employed people and employers. However, refugees and asylum seekers may not be aware of their rights. Refugees and asylum seekers are not prohibited from becoming members of trade unions or other political activities. Trade union membership may in fact be particularly valuable in providing support to refugee workers who may be uncertain about their employment rights.
Common problems
Refugees and asylum seekers who do find work are often undervalued or kept in trainee positions longer than is necessary. They may also be paid less than others doing the same work. The fear of removal is very real for refugees and particularly for asylum seekers. They may feel vulnerable even if they are working legitimately, and may not be fully aware of their rights. Unscrupulous employers sometimes take advantage of this and use immigration status as a threat. Employees might be afraid to take sick leave, or give in to pressure to work under unlawful conditions.
Voluntary work
As well as contributing to the community, voluntary work helps build confidence and a feeling of involvement. It is also an important way to gain work experience, such as using computers or other equipment, learning administrative skills and generally becoming familiar with UK working practices. Organisations providing voluntary work can also provide a UK reference to refugees and asylum seekers, which can be very valuable in getting employment. Refugees and asylum seekers often carry out voluntary work within their own refugee community. This may mean that their level of English does not improve as much as it could, and work practices may not be the same as those in the wider UK job market. It can prove harder for efugees to find voluntary work outside their community. And if they do, they can end up carrying out mundane administrative tasks, which do not improve their working skills’ levels. It is advisable to meet with the voluntary work provider, to agree on a volunteer task description and on the desired outcome of the voluntary work for both parties.
Arranging childcare
Working parents should contact their local education authority or social services to ask about childcare facilities. Private nurseries have shorter waiting lists but are usually expensive. Some refugee communities organise their own playgroups.
