Glenbervie food manufacturer partners with Scottish Refugee Council

A Glenbervie-based food ingredient manufacturer has officially partnered with Scottish Refugee Council, directly resulting in the appointment of two new members of staff.

Following an open day and three-day work trial at Macphie Ltd, the partnership has enabled two refugees who arrived in the UK after fleeing war in Syria to be welcomed to the team as production operatives at the firm’s recently refurbished Tannochside factory.

Macphie hopes to be able to integrate more refugees into its growing team in the months ahead as production at Tannochside expands.

Scottish Refugee Council explained some of the challenges that refugees face when looking for paid employment and has worked closely with Macphie to help adapt the company’s recruitment and induction process, making it more accessible.

Anita Yu, Employability Support Officer at Scottish Refugee Council and facilitator of the partnership with Macphie, 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.”

To find out more about Macphie, please visit: www.macphie.com/