From immigration to labour market integration: evidence from London The Third International Population Geographies Conference, University of Liverpool – June 19 th 2006 Anne Green Institute for Employment Research University of Warwick

Outline and key messages Context  labour market  governance  migration context Generic issues  barriers to integration  support needs Types of initiatives Assessment of strengths and gaps in approach Uniqueness of London within UK context – global city role – “the world in one city” Migrants face specific aspects of more general barriers Multiplicity of initiatives, but often reliant on short- term funding Relative lack of employer involvement

Context Labour market  UK economic performance “relatively strong”  relatively flexible labour market  London: strong economic growth and low employment rates - challenge of linking residents to jobs Governance  London: “weak government and strong economic growth”  patchwork of national, regional and local agencies responsible for different aspects of migration integration Migration  London as key destination for migrants – 30% Londoners born outside UK, 29% of London’s population from BME groups (5 times UK average)  UK government policy: managed migration and tough measures to tackle asylum abuse  Upsurge in asylum seekers from late 1990s to 2002; focus on refugees (→ newcomers)  Withdrawal of employment concession for asylum seekers in 2002

Employment rates in London by country of birth, 2001

Barriers to labour market integration Skills/ competencies  generic skills  specific competencies for particular jobs  specific qualifications for particular jobs  understanding how the labour market operates Availability for work  legal barriers  social barriers Employer attitudes  prejudice /stereotyping  confusion  language skills – importance of English  competencies and qualifications may differ between countries  lack of local work experience  lack of knowledge of local labour markets  migration status  work in informal economy  dependence on intermediaries  lack of support networks  racism; stigmatisation of living in poor areas  lack of information

Types of support needed for labour market integration Help with job search Confidence building CV preparation Short-term training for specific vacancies Language training Mentoring Work experience placements/ programmes Qualification recognition ‘Bridging’ training for professional roles Linking with the demand-side: LMI skill deficiencies; employer good practice guides Key questions/ issues  Speed of integration:  ‘work first’ and train later?  does ‘work first’ pose risk of under-employment and skills depletion?  Whose responsibility?  How can support be provided and delivered in the context of uncertainty about the size and complexion of migrant flows?  How does migration regulate labour markets and shape labour market norms?

Types of initiatives in London (1) Importance of a partnership approach  Renewal Access to education and training  Refugee Education Training & Advisory Service  Women’s Textiles & Dressmaking Project (Arab Group, Hounslow) English Language Support (ESOL)  provision in a range of settings; some vocational courses Recognition of qualifications  NARIC, The Migrant and Refugees Qualifications Project Acculturation to UK society and the labour market  Bridge to Work Project

Types of initiatives in London (2) Accessing employment  Action for the Capital’s Refugee Engineers Mentoring  Mentoring Programme for Refugee Doctors  Encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship  various funding opportunities and support programmes Support to build social and community capital  Global Grants Programme Signposting and onward referral to other agencies  of fundamental importance given the proliferation of organisations and activity concerned with migrant and refugee integration

Assessment of strengths and gaps Strengths “strength in depth”  volume of activity  breadth of approaches: - community support - range of delivery - skills development - entrepreneurship recognition of importance of English language (academic) qualification recognition Gaps complexity – move towards strategic co- ordination (via LORECA) short-termism and instability employer involvement establishing a coherent policy framework emphasising and tackling acculturation relative lack of attention to informal sector

For further information see: Local_integration_report.pdf Local integration of migrants into the labour market: UK case study – The case of refugees in London