European Social Fund in England

London refugee economic action

Region: London, including all 5 London LSC areas (North, East, South, West and Central)

Funding: LSC Pan-London ESF Objective 3

Target group: refugees

October 2005 saw the launch of a new Pan-London body which will ensure London fully benefits from refugees' skills thanks to funding from the Pan-London LSC Programme as well as the London Development Agency.

Andy Burnham MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for refugee integration delivered the keynote address at the launch event at London's Design Museum on 12 October 2005. He said: "This will benefit not only refugees but also the London communities which they live in. Refugees can contribute to our society both economically and culturally through work, civic responsibility and personal attainment. I wish LORECA every success in bringing co-ordination and strategic leadership to the many organisations concerned with the employability of refugees in London."

Research has identified that London's refugee communities are a potentially significant resource for the London economy and can provide a contribution to the capital's regeneration. Yet, despite a high level of motivation to work, many face challenges in finding suitable employment. LORECA has been set up to overcome the many barriers faced by refugees who are seeking to become economically active.

LORECA aims to strengthen the capacity of refugee community organisations to support refugees towards employability and to increase the refugee sector's strategic influence in Government. To this end, LORECA is developing a network of organisations engaged in these issues, which will share best practice and consult on policy matters. Over 50 organisations have joined to date; membership is open to any organisation that has an interest in refugees' employability.

LORECA's Partnership consists of Off the Streets and Into Work (lead partner), Refugee Council, Refugee Women's Association, UK NARIC, and Resource Information Service (associate partner). At the launch, the LORECA Employment, Training, and Enterprise Directory, a resource for advisers who work with refugees, was launched.

Further information on LORECA's network and activities can be found on its website: http://www.loreca.org.uk/.