TUC: UK response to Ukraine refugee crisis “a source of shame”
- Frances O’Grady calls for visa waiver and access to decent work for all those fleeing conflict in letter to the prime minister
- Nationality and borders bill would leave those seeking sanctuary facing an “even colder welcome”, TUC warns
The UK response to the Ukraine refugee crisis has been branded “a source of shame” by TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady – as she calls on the government to build an immigration and asylum system that treats all refugees equally.
In a letter to the prime minister, O’Grady slams the government response and calls on the prime minister to urgently bring in visa-free travel for all those fleeing conflict, from Ukraine and around the world, and end the broader ban on people seeking asylum being able to work.
O'Grady adds that without the right to work, “too many people are forced into the shadow economy leading to greater exploitation for all working people”.
The letter identifies other key elements of support for refugees are still missing – including access to housing benefit, where the TUC says the government must act.
The TUC general secretary also urges the government to work with unions and businesses to develop “a practical plan to support refugees”, which could include support with English language classes, conversion of qualifications and information on rights at work, including the opportunity to join a trade union.
A failing system
In the letter to the prime minister, O'Grady says this is a “moment to recognise our current immigration and asylum system is not working” - adding the nationality and borders bill would only make matters worse and leave those fleeing future wars facing “an even colder welcome”.
The letter goes onto warn that if the bill is passed, many fleeing conflict “may find themselves treated as criminals and deported, instead of being offered sanctuary.”
Instead, O’Grady calls for “a universal, non-discriminatory system that treats all refugees equally, regardless of where they come from”.
The TUC general secretary also calls on the government to work with other European countries to tackle the racism faced by Black and ethnic minority people at the Ukrainian border and take steps to prevent these people from facing further discrimination as they travel through Europe.
The letter has been sent after the UK trade union movement met at Congress House yesterday as part of the ITUC’s global solidarity day with Ukraine, held by workers around the world.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:
“Everyone deserves the right to live in safety.
“We must welcome those who have risked everything to find sanctuary – and help them find decent work to build a life on.
“The government’s response to the Ukraine refugee crisis has been a source of shame. This is the moment to recognise the wider immigration and asylum system is failing.
“It’s time for ministers to introduce a visa waiver for all those fleeing conflict and to end the punitive ban on work for those seeking asylum.”
ENDS
Ukraine
The Trade Union movement met today as part of the global solidarity day with Ukraine, held by workers around the world. The TUC has condemned the illegal invasion of a sovereign nation. We urge you to do all you can to work for peace, to avoid further escalation and for governments to reach a negotiated solution through diplomacy. Around the world, the trade union movement has a proud track record of working to promote and build peace. We are committed to assist in these efforts in whatever ways possible.
Visa waivers for refugees
The UK must also play its part in giving refuge to those fleeing conflict and war. The UK government’s response so far has been slow, mean-spirited and a source of shame. Ministers have fallen short of the humanity, common decency and urgent action that ordinary working people in Britain expect. We urge you now to replicate the actions of countries across Europe and open up visa free travel to all those fleeing conflict and war, from Ukraine and around the world, and to ensure that sufficient funding is provided to support refugees when they arrive in the UK.
How trade unions can support refugees
The government must meet with business and unions together to develop a practical plan to support refugees from Ukraine and around the world. It’s welcome that people coming to the UK on the “Homes for Ukraine” scheme will be able to work – a right that should be extended to all refugees and asylum seekers. But a real welcome would require people to be properly supported to find decent work. Migrant workers are more likely to be exploited. The language barrier they face, and their precarious immigration status means they are less likely to know their rights and may be afraid to complain if they are being mistreated. Trade unions are uniquely placed to provide a trusted source of advice to migrant workers. There must be a formal role for union representatives in the immigration and asylum system. Our union representatives would be able to provide advice and support around English language classes, conversion of qualifications and information on rights at work, including the opportunity to join a trade union.
Access to housing benefits
We are particularly concerned that refugees will not have access to housing benefits. Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, if the relationship with the sponsor breaks down, refugees may be unable to pay for private rented accommodation. Without welfare support there is a real risk they could end up homeless. Allowing refugees access to housing benefit would give them an additional safeguard.
Scrapping the Nationality and Borders bill and tackling the discrimination faced by refugees
We must ensure that those fleeing future wars do not face an even colder welcome, by stopping the Nationality and Borders Bill. If the bill is passed many Ukrainians, along with others around the world fleeing conflict, threats to their lives and seeking safety may find themselves treated as criminals and deported, instead of being offered sanctuary.
In response to widespread reports circulating in the media, showing people fleeing Ukraine, facing segregation, racism and abuse, we urge the government to work with other European countries to tackle the racism faced by Black and ethnic minority people at the Ukrainian border and take steps to prevent these people from facing further discrimination as they travel through Europe. The UK government must work with other countries facilitating evacuations to provide the same support and show the same level of compassion to all those forced to flee Putin’s appalling acts of aggression.
Wider reform of the immigration and asylum system
This is a moment to acknowledge that out current system immigration and asylum system is not working and does not comply with the spirit of the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the status of refugees. We need a universal, non-discriminatory system that treats all refugees, regardless of where they come from, equally. The Homes for Ukraine scheme is no substitute for a properly funded system that provides universal refugee protection.
We would be happy to meet with you to discuss these issues,
Yours sincerely,
Frances O’Grady
General Secretary
- The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.
Contacts:
TUC press office
media@tuc.org.uk
020 7467 1248
Stay Updated
Want to hear about our latest news and blogs?
Sign up now to get it straight to your inbox