Employment support for refugees in the UK

IRC UK partners with public, private and voluntary sector organisations to support refugees and other migrants into sustainable employment, while helping systems address workforce shortages and improve integration outcomes. Our approach combines employment, English language learning, wellbeing, and systems navigation into integrated, client-centred programmes. 

What we do

Employer partnerships

IRC UK works with employers across sectors to connect skilled refugees including internationally educated professionals with job opportunities and build inclusive workforces. 

We provide: 

• Job-ready candidates  
• Recruitment and onboarding support  
• Ongoing support, including ESOL and English for Work  

Looking to hire refugees in your workplace? Learn more

Employment & integration support for refugees

Through our Workforce Integration Nationwide (WIN) programme, we provide: 

• 1:1 career coaching and casework support 
• Job readiness training (CVs, applications, interviews) 
• Employer engagement and job matching 
• Workplace rights and systems navigation 

We work closely with employers to improve inclusive recruitment practices and open pathways into sustainable roles.  

Sign up for employment skills support

Health & Social Care Pathways

IRC UK works with the NHS in the North East and is expanding partnerships by reaching out to NHS Integrated Care Boards across England. Through our Refugee Employment Support 2.0 programme, we are currently delivering a live employment programme, supporting refugees into roles across:

• Health and social care  
• Hospitality, administration, manufacturing, and other sectors  

This programme is not limited to one sector — we work with any employer and support participants into roles aligned with their skills, experience, and goals.

Participants receive:

• 1:1 employment support and job readiness training  
• Access to a wide employer network  
• Integrated ESOL and English for Work support linked to real jobs

Referrals are open now:

• Refugees can self-refer  
• Organisations can refer individuals  

Refer now to access support and employment opportunities. 

Afghan Journalist and single mum Zahra Shaheer works on a podcast about women’s rights. Zahra fled Afghanistan with her family in August 2021 and now lives in High Wycombe, England.

Photo: Elena Heatherwick for the IRC

Regional Delivery – Hampshire & Beyond

IRC is expanding its regional footprint, including active work in Hampshire, supporting refugees with:

• Employment support and job placement pathways  
• Local employer engagement  
• Integration support aligned with local labour market needs  

This builds on our broader regional presence across the South East, South West, and North East of England.  

Email to ee@rescue-uk.org to get involved.  

To learn more about our settlement and integration work, please visit the Integration Services for Refugees in the UK section of our website. 

Maasom and his wife Hiba have been supported by the IRC UK's RISE programme which supports resettled refugees as they navigate their new life in the UK. He volunteers at his local British Heart Foundation in Andover.

Photo: Elena Heatherwick for the IRC

ESOL & English for Work Programmes

We deliver flexible ESOL programmes for newcomers and refugees, commissioned by employers, local authorities, charities, and community and faith organisations (including churches, mosques, and others).

Our offer includes:

• Everyday English for integration  
• English for Work linked to jobs and career pathways  
• Digital skills and employability support  
• Flexible delivery (in-person and online)  

All programmes are tailored to your audience and local needs, with a focus on progression into employment, training, or volunteering.

We work with partners to design and deliver funded ESOL programmes—get in touch to explore a tailored offer: yusuf.kacamak@rescue.org     

Casey found a work experience placement on the Pret Foundation’s “Rising Stars” program. After working with the IRC UK's employment team, her placement led to a job offer. “I enjoy putting a smile on the customers' faces” she told us.

Healing Spaces for Employment

Helping refugees into work through trauma-informed support (practical capacity building for front line staff)

This training equips frontline staff with the skills to support refugees into sustainable employment by combining trauma-informed approaches with practical job coaching and engagement strategies. It is not content-heavy on trauma theory, but focuses on how to work effectively with individuals who have experienced recent trauma—building confidence, motivation, and pathways to economic empowerment.

What you’ll gain:

• Better engagement with refugee clients
• Improved job outcomes and retention
• Increased staff confidence and capability

Who it’s for:

Jobcentre staff, employment advisors, local authorities, and organisations supporting refugees into work

Delivery:

2 half-day sessions or one full day (online or in-person), with flexible tailoring available

For more information and training options for other audiences, please explore the Healing Spaces webpages

Routes to Partnership  

Organisations can engage with IRC through:

• Commissioning delivery of employment and ESOL programmes
• Referring individuals into existing services
• Partnering to develop employer pathways
• Collaborating on local or sector-based initiatives

Explore partnership opportunities with IRC UK  

To understand how we keep our clients safe at IRC, read about Safeguarding at IRC UK here.