“We know of refugees who are actively seeking employment"

This is the message from Cumbria Tourism, which has urged businesses to employ refugees who have fled Ukraine to help fill the employment gap that many local companies are currently facing.

As a result of the war in Ukraine, there are currently more than 900 refugees who have had to leave everything behind and start a new life in the county.

The county’s official Destination Management Organisation is working closely with Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership to offer a matchmaking service for businesses and people seeking employment. Meanwhile, the DWP is offering a monthly drop-in Ukrainian Community Hub in Kendal. 

Rachel Tyson, Head of Partnerships & Projects at Cumbria Tourism said: “We know of refugees who are actively seeking employment, but ultimately are struggling to make the connections. 

"Our recent research shows that 73% of businesses believe staff recruitment is a problem, but there are excellent opportunities available and we would urge refugees to get in touch if they require help in finding work. We’ve only been hearing positive things from employers.”

Cumbria Tourism is also in regular contact with local training providers who are able to arrange language courses for refugees who need support with learning English.

Genady, a 63-year-old skilled builder from Kramatorsk in the Donetsk Region of Ukraine, is currently employed at Muncaster castle in the maintenance team. The organisation says that he is 'highly valued' within the team.

Storrs Hall is another hospitality business which is currently employing Ukrainian refugees. Heather James, Marketing Manager, said: “We are employing a mother and daughter in our housekeeping department. They were originally sponsored to enter the UK by a local family and all of their family is still in Ukraine. Despite all their worries they are very committed to their work and are valued members of our team.

“They are employed on exactly the same terms as all other members of staff which includes cooked meals on duty, paid holiday allowance, we’d add a similar sick pay to state requirements where they don’t qualify; and they receive the equivalent of our company pension into their salary."

Tourism businesses with potential job opportunities for Ukrainian refugees can email Molly Hill at mhill@cumbriatourism.org to find out more.