UK retailers back pledge to help Ukrainian refugees find jobs

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Mar 14, 2022

As the UK government slowly ramps up its support for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war with Russia, UK retailers are also increasing their assistance.

Retail giants including M&S and ASOS are among businesses backing an employment pledge for Ukrainian refugees. They are part of a consortium representing 45 businesses in talks with the government to offer employment and accommodation to refugees.

The initiative, which was initially reported by The Sunday Times, is being led by British entrepreneur Emma Sinclair. Although the project is still in its early stages, it is understood that support is growing rapidly with more high street firms in talks to join the coalition over the weekend.  

How it would work has yet to be confirmed, but the aim is to help “tens of thousands” of refugees get jobs in the UK, as well as help with other challenges such as finding somewhere to live and learning English. 

ASOS is exploring the possibility of IT engineering roles in the UK and Lush is having meetings with outside agencies to work out the processes it needs to bring refugees into its workforce. 

Meanwhile M&S has said: “We are absolutely committed to supporting Ukrainian refugees, through our humanitarian response under way with our charity partners and with jobs.” 

UK supermarket retailers are also looking at ways to offer roles for Ukrainian refugees, with Morrisons, the Co-op and Sainsbury’s all taking action. Tesco also made 1,400 roles available for refugees across its central European business.