Case Study: Compassionate resettlement in relation to work, in the face of systemic barriers.

The project was led by Dr Varuni Wimalasiri (Sussex University), in partnership with Plymouth City Council. It’s key aim was to gain a better understanding about the resources available to assist women refugees into work in the South West region. Also, to understand why there are only a small number of women refugees engaging with the labour market in the area, compared to the overall resident population.

The project was conducted in the period 2019-2020 (pre-COVID), and the findings reflect the picture in the South West of England at the time. The data collection for the project was funded by Bournemouth University and the report was completed at the University of Sussex.  The initial concept for the project was developed during a project (2017-2018) called ‘Women’s Work’- Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs programme start up grant, part funded by a Big Lottery grant (LPA-000 000 6543) -awarded to Varuni Wimalasiri. This work is part of a wider research programme led by Dr Varuni Wimalasiri, investigating the impact of displacement on women refugees and their work choices during resettlement.

Amongst other findings, the outcomes of the study made clear an extraordinary effort made by local communities and stakeholders, to assist refugee women to overcome the barriers to work. This support network included refugee led efforts to assist the community.  We found a compassionate effort and exemplary network of formal and informal support and resources, dedicated to the refugee community, in relation to work.  These resources included effective social networks set up between the refugee community, local community organisations assisting with work integration and employers, tailored professional development programs, creche facilities to help women with children engage with work initiatives, self- development initiatives, and provisions for personal care that are otherwise lacking.  Exemplifying a justice-led approach to resettlement which has grown out of the needs of women refugees in the region. A mapping of the formal and informal resources and support available in the region, was also conducted as part of the project.

However, the efforts of the stakeholders tend to be limited in the face of systemic barriers including lack of funding for skill building, local employer prejudices which are still at large due to negative media messages about refugees, poor engagement with mental health rehabilitation following displacement.  Further, cultural predispositions and attitudes to paid work, having to prioritise childcare in early resettlement and lack of control over family planning, were all barriers to work engagement.  These barriers contribute to a vicious cycle of poverty, similar to those experienced by women in refugee communities all over the world (UNHCR, 2021). 

​

Report title: Wimalasiri, V. in partnership with Plymouth City Council (2021) Plymouth’s approach to enabling refugee women into employment and the government action required to prevent ongoing, sustained poverty and isolation within this population. Sussex University-Plymouth City Council.

Here are some of the organisations making a difference to the working lives of women refugees residing in and around Plymouth.