Despite high levels of qualifications and work experience in their country of origin, research has shown that refugees in the UK experience high levels of unemployment and under-employment. This project was built upon previous research into social exclusion and explored the perceptions and experiences of refugees themselves as they seek to access education and employment opportunities.

Project Outline

The Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Sussex worked with a team of researchers from a range of refugee community groups to build on previous research into social exclusion and explored the perceptions and experiences of refugees themselves as they seek to access education and employment opportunities. Key to this research was the involvement of refugees in conducting interviews.

The project reviewed the literature and current policy context both locally and nationally relating to the social integration and citizenship of refugees. It will sought to evaluate the effectiveness of local and national government policy in addressing issues of integration and widening participation both in terms of access to lifelong learning opportunities, employment and active citizenship. The research also drew on links with other HE institutions to identify good practice and effective anti-discrimination strategies elsewhere in the country.