Macphie employs Syrian refugees after partnering with Scottish Refugee Council.

The company said that following an open day and three-day work trial, the partnership has enabled two refugees who arrived in the UK after fleeing war in Syria to join its team as production operatives at the firm’s recently refurbished Tannochside factory.

Macphie, which reached out to the council through Tent Partnership for Refugees, said it hoped to be able to integrate more refugees into its growing team in the months ahead as production at Tannochside expanded.  

Employment 

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.”​

Anita Yu, Employability Support Officer at Scottish Refugee Council and facilitator of the partnership with Macphie, said: “When refugees arrive in Scotland, new and challenging journeys begin.​

Rights

She added: "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.”  ​  ​

Scottish Refugee Council supports candidates with information sessions and employability training.