Jane Kennedy: Refugee strategy

Jane Kennedy, minister for work, said the government had to do better to integrate those given refuge in the UK.

She said there had been a good start to overhauling the system but formidable problems remained for many starting a new life.

The government is finalising its new strategy for integrating new refugees into British society.

Under employment rules, refugees have the right to work because they are living legally and freely in the UK.

Asylum seekers awaiting a decision cannot work and are supported directly by the Home Office.

We know that while many refugees are very well qualified and find work relatively easily, it can take some refugees a long time to find that first job Jane Kennedy

But unemployment among refugees remains extremely high at 36% - six times the national average. The figure is significantly higher among some communities.

"We must get more refugees to see that Jobcentres can help them," Ms Kennedy told a conference of integration specialists.

"We are only helping around half of those we should be helping and we have to do better than that."

Ms Kennedy said the challenges for refugees could be "formidable", including having to learn English rapidly and to get to grip with the basics of daily life in a new country.

"We want them to know that getting a job is much easier if you have some English and know how our labour market works. We want them to know that Jobcentres can help with both of these things too," she said.

'Enlightened self-interest'

In a speech to the Employability Forum, an independent organisation which promotes the skills of refugees, Ms Kennedy said it was in the UK's "enlightened self-interest" to help people settle and lead productive lives.

The government would shortly outline its two-pronged strategy for integrating refugees into the workplace and wider society, she said.

However, she added ministers believed they had made a good start in some areas including an introductory booklet on life in the UK and plans for a pilot scheme of intensive support for those who need it.

This integration work would be linked into refugee support through the Jobcentre Plus system, she said.

"We know that while many refugees are very well qualified and find work relatively easily, it can take some refugees a long time to find that first job," said Ms Kennedy.

Chance to flourish

"But Jobcentres are able to help people to learn English and to understand the labour market."

Ms Kennedy called on community organisations and other public bodies to also play a greater role.

"We all have different parts to play in ensuring that refugees feel welcomed, that they know what to do and have their chance to flourish, prosper and contribute.

"We all need to look at the contribution we can make to the bigger picture and to get involved with each other to make it happen."