Leeds University Business School One Barnsley Community Cohesion Conference October 2006 First Findings from “Social and Economic Experiences of Asylum Seekers, Migrant Workers and Refugees” project Dr Chris Forde and Dr Robert MacKenzie Contact details:

Leeds University Business School Background to Survey 400 questionnaires distributed over summer 2006 Sample derived from lists of Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrant Workers (plus distributed by key employer). Convenience sampling rather than random sampling due to nature of population 113 usable responses (28% response rate)

Leeds University Business School Characteristics of Sample

Leeds University Business School Characteristics of Sample

Leeds University Business School Education, Qualifications and Experience 88% of sample have at least High School qualifications 22% have University Degree 8% have Postgraduate Degree 67% have work based qualifications 66% have experience of work in their country of origin (ranging from Mechanics to Accountants and Doctors) 80% of those with Degrees had come to UK as Asylum Seekers Work based qualifications split 50/50 between Migrant Workers and those who had come to UK as Asylum Seekers

Leeds University Business School Experience of Work in UK

Leeds University Business School Issues Raised Migrant Workers and Asylum seekers have a lot to offer the local economy and community Employment regarded as crucial to community cohesion However, it is also important to look beyond employment in terms of developing cohesion Migrant workers were far less likely to access local services than asylum seekers