People who have been granted refugee status are entitled to work in the UK, although there are significant barriers relating to language barriers, relevance of qualifications and discrimination.
Asylum seekers still waiting for a decision on their asylum claim however do not have the right to work, and many spend years in limbo, with long term consequences for their mental health, professional deskilling and financial stability.
There are many ways for businesses to support asylum seekers and to create meaningful opportunities for their future pathways.
Our vision:
Businesses across Bristol contribute to making Bristol a city of welcome, safety and hope.
How can businesses create opportunities for asylum seekers?
1. Educate Your Team
Building an inclusive workplace starts with awareness. Help your staff better understand the journeys and challenges faced by people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds.
How you can do this:
- Share learning resources and personal stories
- Organise training sessions with organisations like Bridges for Communities
- Create opportunities for your team to meet and connect with people seeking sanctuary
Why it matters: When your team understands the lived experiences of refugees, they’re more likely to lead with empathy, welcome newcomers, and foster a truly inclusive culture
2. Support Skill Development and Learning
Many asylum seekers arrive with valuable skills but limited access to opportunities. Your business can play a key role in helping them rebuild confidence and prepare for the workforce.
How you can help:
- Offer access to training, workshops, or certification programs
- Help people refresh existing skills that may have faded during time away from work
- Open up internal employee training sessions to asylum seekers in your community
The impact: With your support, asylum seekers can continue learning, growing, and moving one step closer to meaningful employment.
3. Run a Mentoring or Befriending Programme
Personal connections can change lives. Encourage your team to volunteer their time and expertise.
Ways to support:
- Match employees with asylum seekers interested in your industry
- Offer mentorship on career planning, workplace culture, or skills development
- Foster informal connections through befriending
Why it matters: Mentorship can empower people to pursue their goals—and help your team grow too
4. Host CV & Interview Workshops
Job hunting in the UK can feel daunting for those unfamiliar with local norms.
What you can offer:
- One-on-one coaching on CVs, cover letters, and applications
- Group workshops focused on interview preparation and job-readiness
- Honest feedback and encouragement
The result: You’ll help build confidence and readiness for the job market.
5. Open Up Insight Days
Invite asylum seekers into your workplace to explore your industry firsthand.
What to include:
- A tour of your business and its departments
- Talks from staff about their roles and career journeys
- Practical guidance on the UK job market and workplace culture
Why it helps: It turns unfamiliar environments into places of opportunity and belonging.
6. Engage in Local Community Initiatives
Build stronger community ties by supporting refugee-led or refugee-supporting organisations near you.
How to get involved:
- Take part in Refugee Week events
- Offer your venue or meeting rooms free of charge
- Provide pro-bono advice or donate goods/services
- Promote local campaigns and fundraising efforts
7. Support Local Advocacy
Use your voice to back the rights and dignity of refugees and asylum seekers.
Campaigns you can support:
- Lift the Ban – advocating for the right to work
- Fair Begins Here – calling for a fairer asylum system https://togetherwithrefugees.org.uk/the-fair-begins-here-promise/
- Families Together – supporting family reunification https://familiestogether.uk
- Free Bus Travel in Bristol – making transport accessible to asylum seekers
For more info, contact: [email protected]
8. Provide Financial or Practical Support
Refugee support charities operate under immense pressure and limited resources. Your contribution can make a big impact.
Ways to help:
- Donate to local organisations working with asylum seekers
- Contribute to the Sanctuary Transport Fund, which provides 300+ bus tickets each month to people in need
9. Offer Volunteering Opportunities
Asylum seekers aren’t allowed to work, but they can volunteer—and many are eager to contribute.
Here’s what to know:
- Volunteering must be unpaid and without formal employment contracts
- It can take place at any stage of the asylum process
- Roles should be flexible, meaningful, and community-focused
The benefit: Volunteering helps build confidence, routine, and community connections.
10. Inspire Other Businesses
Change grows faster when we work together. Share your efforts with others and encourage them to get involved.
You can:
- Share stories and learnings with your network
- Recommend partners or initiatives
Join the Bristol City of Sanctuary Business Network to connect, collaborate, and inspire change
