Access to the labour market

United Kingdom

Country Report: Access to the labour market Last updated: 30/05/23

Author

Refugee Council Visit Website

The law provides for refugees and beneficiaries of humanitarian protection the same access to the labour market as UK citizens.[1] In practice, very few individuals will enter the labour market immediately; some will need to ensure their qualifications allow them to practice their profession and may need to retrain or pass exams to allow them to practice e.g. doctors. Many refugees may have had limited language provision when they were seeking asylum so may need to learn English sufficient to access the labour market.

There is little practical support provided by the state although when applying for the main welfare benefit for those fit to work (Job Seekers Allowance) individuals are required to show evidence of applications for jobs they have made and are questioned about this by an adviser.

 

 

 

[1] Paragraph 334B Immigration Rules.

Table of contents

  • Statistics
  • Overview of the legal framework
  • Overview of the main changes since the previous report update
  • Asylum Procedure
  • Reception Conditions
  • Detention of Asylum Seekers
  • Content of International Protection