Employer commitment unveiled by ACH to aid refugees and migrants in the workforce
In a significant move towards fostering a more inclusive society, the social housing provider ACH is set to launch 'The Welcome Pledge' this spring. The initiative, also known as the #WeWillWelcome Pledge, aims to encourage individuals and organisations to take concrete steps towards welcoming newcomers, such as refugees and migrants, and building resilient, safe, and inclusive communities.
The campaign emphasises the importance of equitable employment for refugees and migrants, challenging exclusion and promoting inclusivity. By creating an environment where these newcomers feel accepted and integrated, it seeks to overcome social barriers and provide opportunities for economic participation.
However, specific mechanisms related to employment support, especially in the Southwest region, were not detailed in the initial search results. For a comprehensive understanding of how 'The Welcome Pledge' targets employment for refugees and migrants in this region, additional sources or official statements from organisations implementing the pledge would be necessary.
Two brothers, Khalid and Mazin, who came to the UK from Sudan last January, are among those who have already experienced the benefits of this approach. After taking English courses at ACH and participating in its joint training programme with Bristol Waste Company, they secured jobs with the company just four months after their arrival.
Fuad Mahamed, CEO of ACH, stated that 'The Welcome Pledge' highlights the potential of refugees and migrants, not their deficits. He also emphasised that investing in refugee integration benefits everyone, strengthening communities, boosting the economy, and enabling refugees to thrive as independent contributors.
In line with 'The Welcome Pledge', ACH aims to align the initiative with the regional Good Employment Charter and the Living Wage Foundation. By doing so, it hopes to ensure fair and decent employment conditions for all, contributing to a more prosperous future for everyone.
'The Welcome Pledge' is being co-produced with employers across the Southwest, marking a collaborative effort towards a more inclusive society. The strategy is seen as both ethically right and economically smart, as it promotes equity and belonging, rather than perpetuating narratives of migrants as mere guests expected to show gratitude.
While the electric future of offshore wind farms was mentioned in a separate news item, it remains to be seen how 'The Welcome Pledge' will contribute to this sector. Similarly, the potential impact on councils' Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) budgets was noted, although a specific connection to the employment of refugees and migrants was not explicitly stated.
As 'The Welcome Pledge' unfolds, it promises to be a significant step towards creating a more welcoming and inclusive society, where refugees and migrants are not just welcomed but empowered to thrive and contribute.
The equitable employment opportunities provided by 'The Welcome Pledge' initiative, spearheaded by social housing provider ACH, extend to the realm of housing, education-and-self-development. By enabling refugees and migrants to secure jobs and earn a livelihood, the program fosters their independence, boosting their ability to secure suitable housing and pursue educational opportunities for self-development.
With 'The Welcome Pledge' aligning itself with the regional Good Employment Charter and the Living Wage Foundation, it ensures fair and decent employment conditions for all, contributing to a more prosperous future for everyone, which ultimately strengthens communities and boosts the economy in the Southwest region.
