Northern business leaders deliver support programme for Ukrainian refugees

Business leaders from across the North have joined forces to help Ukrainian refugees in the region access employment and other support.

United For Ukraine is a coalition brought together at the request of leaders from across the North, including the Northern Powerhouse Partnership and North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT), with support from the NP11 group of Local Enterprise Partnerships. The initiative is focused around a digital platform, created by the Growth Company, which connects employers with evacuees.

Organisations involved in the creation of ‘United For Ukraine’ include KPMG, PWC, Creative Concern, DWF Law, EY, Cirrus Connect, Bruntwood, Siemens, Northern Power Women, Net Zero North West and Agent.

For Ukrainian nationals, and other refugees who are eligible, the ‘United For Ukraine’ website provides a searchable list of job vacancies with employers who have committed to providing good job opportunities in a supportive environment.

For employers, the free-to-use site provides an easy and direct way to communicate job opportunities and access the right support to employ those coming here who wish to, and are able to, work.

Vacancies listed on the site will adhere to criteria such as the offer at least a real living wage, and disclosable salaries, to ensure the opportunities on offer are quality jobs.

The site – which is accessible in both English and Ukrainian – also provides signposting to support services and referral agencies for Ukrainian refugees, such as free English language courses and how to open a bank account, as well as services providing advice on issues including housing, work permits and childcare.

Mike Wilton, Director at Arup, and NWBLT Board Member who has chaired the coalition, said:

“Now is the time for us to work together to do all we can to support these refugees who are fleeing the conflict with Russia. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who has joined forces to make this happen, on an entirely voluntary basis, using their own time and resources to do the right thing.

“Not only is this incredibly important to support Ukrainian nationals, but it’s also hugely beneficial for our region. We know that many skills gaps exist in the North, and we have an unprecedented level of unfilled vacancies, so this will help us to bridge those gaps – there are so many reasons for us to get behind this initiative.”

Professor Juergen Maier CBE, vice-chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said:

“It’s wonderful to see the northern business community coming together to provide employment opportunities for refugees.

“We want to send a message to those fleeing the appalling situation in their home country that they are very welcome here and that we are ready to support them however we can.”

Trevor Brocklebank, Deputy Chair of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said:

“Alongside our partners we’re pleased to be able to offer this important support Ukrainian refugees.

“United for Ukraine is our way of trying to do our bit to provide employment opportunities for people who have often fled their homes with very little. I know people and businesses across Cheshire and Warrington as ever will be as welcoming as they always are to people in these incredibly difficult circumstances.”

To find out more and to support the initiative, visit United for Ukraine.