Macphie partners with Scottish Refugee Council - Macphie

PHOTO CAPTION: Scottish Refugee Council employability officer Anita Yu and Macphie CEO Andy Stapley

We have officially partnered with Scottish Refugee Council, directly resulting in the appointment of two new staff members.

Following an open day and three-day work trial, the partnership has enabled us to welcome two refugees, who arrived in the UK after fleeing war in Syria, to our team as production operatives at our recently refurbished Tannochside factory.

Working with Scottish Refugee Council, they explained some of the challenges that refugees face when looking for paid employment and have provided advice on how we can help adapt our recruitment and induction process to make it more accessible.

Anita Yu, Employability Support Officer at Scottish Refugee Council and facilitator of the partnership said: “We were delighted when the team at Macphie reached out to us through Tent Partnership for Refugees. It’s wonderful that our collaboration has already enabled two refugees in our programme to join the manufacturing company.

“The people we work with have fled horrific situations around the world and come from countries where conflict and human rights abuses are rife.

“When refugees arrive in Scotland, new and challenging journeys begin. Not only do they have to contend with the disorientating process of settling into a new country, but their qualifications might not be recognised in the UK. They might not be aware of their employment rights, and there is also a language barrier.

“Many of the people we work with are highly skilled, experienced and qualified. Others have not had an opportunity to explore their potential due to circumstances in their home country.  If given an opportunity to show what they can do, they can be an asset to any business.

“This is why it’s so important that we provide support to people in need of refugee protection as they start their new lives and that companies recognise the promise and potential that Scotland’s refugee communities bring, like Macphie has.”

Scottish Refugee Council supports candidates with information sessions and employability training. This includes how to create a CV, interview skill sessions, mock interviews and explaining employment rights and benefits. They also work in partnership with employers, supporting them throughout the process.

Andy Stapley, Chief Executive with Macphie, said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Scottish Refugee Council and fully believe in everything that they stand for. We are committed to the principles of fairness, consistency and equality in the workplace and believe that everyone should have equal access to employment.

“We think it is so vitally important that we help support refugees as they integrate into their new lives and that companies should make a conscious effort to employ through the Scottish Refugee Council programme.”