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21/01/2004
Refugee teachers could fill gaps in UK schools, says agency
Education authorities should use refugees, fully qualified as teachers, to fill vacancies in the UK's understaffed schools, according to the Employability Forum.
The Employability Forum, which advises the government on employment for refugees who have been given permission to stay in the UK, has said that around one third of refugees accepted for settlement last year were estimated to have professional, graduate or diploma qualifications. In the London area alone over 500 teachers are registered with refugee organisations, the agency said.
The forum also cited a Department for Work and Pensions survey in 2002 which found that 6% of refugees in its sample who were looking for work wanted to teach – one of the largest categories. The same survey found that 10% of those who had worked in their country of origin had worked as teachers.
At a meeting with government and local authorities today, refugee organisations will highlight the major barriers refugee teachers face in finding work and making use of their skills.
Sarah Hayward, of the Employability Forum, said: “People are travelling thousands of miles to recruit teachers from overseas when the answer to their needs is often available on their doorstep.”
Azar Sheibani, Chair of the Refugee Teachers Steering Group, has called for a "funded fast-track re-qualification programme" that recognises previous experience, identifies current needs and provides refugees with the "necessary knowledge, skills and work experience to teach in this country".
He said: "Refugee teachers face daunting hurdles. These include lack of clear information about re-qualification routes, lack of adequate and specialised advice and guidance services, lack of recognition of overseas teaching qualifications and lack of any customised re-qualification programme."
The seminar will hear from the Director of Lifelong Learning, Leisure and Culture of the London Borough of Hounslow, Dr Robert Garnett, about its use of refugee teachers and work in London and Scotland to integrate teachers from refugee backgrounds.
(gmcg)
The Employability Forum, which advises the government on employment for refugees who have been given permission to stay in the UK, has said that around one third of refugees accepted for settlement last year were estimated to have professional, graduate or diploma qualifications. In the London area alone over 500 teachers are registered with refugee organisations, the agency said.
The forum also cited a Department for Work and Pensions survey in 2002 which found that 6% of refugees in its sample who were looking for work wanted to teach – one of the largest categories. The same survey found that 10% of those who had worked in their country of origin had worked as teachers.
At a meeting with government and local authorities today, refugee organisations will highlight the major barriers refugee teachers face in finding work and making use of their skills.
Sarah Hayward, of the Employability Forum, said: “People are travelling thousands of miles to recruit teachers from overseas when the answer to their needs is often available on their doorstep.”
Azar Sheibani, Chair of the Refugee Teachers Steering Group, has called for a "funded fast-track re-qualification programme" that recognises previous experience, identifies current needs and provides refugees with the "necessary knowledge, skills and work experience to teach in this country".
He said: "Refugee teachers face daunting hurdles. These include lack of clear information about re-qualification routes, lack of adequate and specialised advice and guidance services, lack of recognition of overseas teaching qualifications and lack of any customised re-qualification programme."
The seminar will hear from the Director of Lifelong Learning, Leisure and Culture of the London Borough of Hounslow, Dr Robert Garnett, about its use of refugee teachers and work in London and Scotland to integrate teachers from refugee backgrounds.
(gmcg)
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25 September 2003
Rise in degree qualified teachers: survey
More secondary school teachers have degrees and more lessons are taught by teachers with degrees in that subject, according to the results of a new survey.
Rise in degree qualified teachers: survey
More secondary school teachers have degrees and more lessons are taught by teachers with degrees in that subject, according to the results of a new survey.
28 May 2003
Conference set to highlight plight of 'refugee doctors'
A conference is to be held in London next week that will call for improved employment rights for "refugee doctors".
Conference set to highlight plight of 'refugee doctors'
A conference is to be held in London next week that will call for improved employment rights for "refugee doctors".
24 February 2005
Teachers work most unpaid overtime, TUC says
Teachers and lecturers work longer hours of unpaid overtime than any other occupation, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has revealed. Teacher and lecturers topped the TUC's unpaid overtime league table, which has been published ahead of the TUC-organised 'Work Your Proper Hours Day', which takes place tomorrow.
Teachers work most unpaid overtime, TUC says
Teachers and lecturers work longer hours of unpaid overtime than any other occupation, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has revealed. Teacher and lecturers topped the TUC's unpaid overtime league table, which has been published ahead of the TUC-organised 'Work Your Proper Hours Day', which takes place tomorrow.
16 June 2004
Use skills of refugee doctors, says BMA
The valuable skills of hundreds of refugee doctors are not being put to the best use, according to figures published today by the British Medical Association. Marking National Refugee Week, the BMA highlighted the contribution made by refugee and asylum-seeking doctors who are working, or trying to work, in the NHS.
Use skills of refugee doctors, says BMA
The valuable skills of hundreds of refugee doctors are not being put to the best use, according to figures published today by the British Medical Association. Marking National Refugee Week, the BMA highlighted the contribution made by refugee and asylum-seeking doctors who are working, or trying to work, in the NHS.
17 February 2015
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
