Worcester organisation asks businesses to help refugees get jobs

The Midlands Migrant Support Centre is a social enterprise with a non-for-profit income and asset lock, focused on supporting non-UK citizens living in the UK, based in Sidbury.

The organisation are supporting Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing the war.

Tomasz Jarecki, staff member at MMSC, said: "A lot of people coming to the UK are looking to work and support their family and friends whilst they are here and not a lot of businesses are currently helping.

"There are three major blockages to these migrants finding employment, which are the language barrier, not being able to work full-time hours due to having small children and also not a lack of transport options.

"We are hoping to find employers who would be willing to find space in their ranks for these workers.

"Employers who may be able to offer transport and hours between 8am to 2pm would be seriously helping these families."

READ MORE: Ukrainian child settles into Red Hill Primary School after fleeing war

Mr Jarecki's wife, Mariia Lata, is the Immigration Advisor at MMSC, is Ukrainian and works with vulnerable migrants in the Midlands.

He said: "My wife Mariia and her two friends Diana and Zenaida are the driving force of the organisation, helping migrants in the UK.

"Before the war started, we were already supporting migrants but the crisis has meant a lot more people are in need of support.

"We have been liaising with Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council, with over 100 refugees in our support network."

Diana Mandiuc holds the title of council champion, and Zenaida Gourgel is the Serious Business Advisor.

In early April, Worcestershire County Council shared that they were expecting nearly 500 Ukrainian refugees to come to the county, and over 200 host families had signed up to help families coming over.

READ MORE: Hundreds of Ukrainian refugees are coming to Worcestershire

To get in touch with the MMSC, you can email them at info@mmsc.org.uk