The Right to Work is a Human Right

The Right to Work is a Human Right

In an era of multiple, overlapping national crises, the theme of tightening the boot straps and cutting costs wherever possible runs deeply through much of the country.

Unsurprising then, that the conversation around asylum support remains firmly at the top of the agenda.

It is no secret that, due to the wilful mismanagement of the migration situation by the UK government, the cost of housing and supporting people arriving here to claim asylum is very quickly snowballing out of control. We see all manner of cruel and inhumane ideas emerging from government, designed to ease the pressure of housing and supporting people. All of which have cost a fortune and made little to no difference whatsoever.

Why then, is the UK still not ready to talk seriously about giving people the right to work while awaiting an asylum decision? In a nation that prides itself on democratic values and individual liberties, it’s time to consider a more dignified approach.

The Mental Health Argument…

Currently the Asylum support and housing bill is in the £Millions per day, and with the unprecedented backlog of asylum cases yet to be processed, people are finding themselves stuck in the system for much longer than the previously standard 6 months. With the vast majority of people legally unable to work while awaiting their decision, they are left with no choice but to claim asylum support and housing.

Aside from the obvious financial and economic advantages of people having the right to work and support themselves, which we will revisit a little later, there is also the question of mental well-being and social cohesion.

Many people navigating the asylum system report low levels of well-being, as well as formal mental health diagnoses. They often speak of boredom, despondency and frustration caused by a lack of agency and social connection.

Employment offers people the chance to begin to integrate into their community, to build support networks, and the financial means to take part in social leisure activities.

Participation in social, cultural and religious life is a key component of life in the UK for people seeking asylum. This integration is essential in allowing those who go on to be granted refugee or protected status to meaningfully contribute to society to the best of their abilities, and the time spent awaiting asylum decisions should be seen as preparation for this.

At its core, the UK benefit system is designed to provide a safety net, offering essential support to those in need. However, when applied to people seeking asylum, this system often has consequences. Forcing individuals to rely on benefits while their asylum claims are pending can strip them of their agency and self-reliance, contributing to a sense of

powerlessness.

This, often lengthy (12 months + currently ) period of enforced social inactivity has long standing effects for people. Once they receive a positive decision and are granted the right to work, people who have not had access to community support or begun to socially integrate are less likely to go straight into employment and more likely to go on to mainstream benefits – therefore perpetuating the welfare state and the far right trope of people seeking British benefits. We set people up to fail and then blame them when they do.

The other issue with social cohesion is the community reaction to newcomers. As we currently find ourselves in a cost of living crisis, it is understandable that people are angry at the spiralling asylum support bill. By forcing people seeking asylum to rely on government support, through no fault of their own the community views them as scroungers which of course is not the case. At a time when public opinion is somewhat volatile, social integration must be handled delicately. If a community sees newcomers contributing to society and taking part in activities, they are more likely to be supportive and welcoming.

The Money…

Now, not to put too fine a point on this – we should be changing the system and acting out of compassion not for financial gain. However, as the potential financial benefit from giving people the right to work is so significant, it opens up some interesting questions around political motivation.

A 2020 report by Lift the Ban found that giving people the right to work while their claim is being process would benefit the UK economy by around £98million a year.

Currently government spending on asylum accommodation etc is completely out of control. By giving people the right to work and support themselves, we take away the need to support and house everyone. The asylum support and housing bill would be drastically reduced, people awaiting an asylum claim would go on to take gainful employment, filling labour shortages, and contributing via tax and national insurance contributions from their wages.

Why then, when this would quite clearly solve the asylum support spending crisis, will the government not even entertain the idea?

Is the government’s commitment to the ‘hostile environment’ strategy really in the public interest?

In short – No.

Using the socio-economic crisis to fuel division and fear in communities is obviously far

more valuable to those at the top, than actually attempting to solve the issues. We see this

very clearly by the total unwillingness to open new safe and legal routes to asylum, despite the fact it would all but solve the small boat issue.

The time for scaremongering and archaic deterrent strategies is over. It is only with an

informed, pragmatic approach that we fix our broken immigration system.

The Class Divide: A Tale of Two Tragedies

The Class Divide: A Tale of Two Tragedies

In a world that has seemingly become divided by class, where the plight of the marginalised is often overshadowed by the glamour of the wealthy, it is crucial to shed light on the stark contrast between the rescue efforts and media coverage surrounding the Greek refugee boat disaster and the recent Titan Submersible incident. By examining this disparity, we can unravel the deeper issues of societal inequality and inspire a collective call for compassion and unity.

Let’s start with the Greek refugee boat disaster. It’s a heart breaking story, the likes of which go unnoticed far too often. In June of this year, a small boat carrying desperate refugees seeking a better life capsized in the Aegean Sea, claiming the lives of almost 600 innocent souls, at least 100 of whom were children trapped in the hold. These individuals, driven by unimaginable circumstances in their home countries, risked everything for a glimmer of hope. Yet, their plight received minimal media attention and limited rescue efforts.

Why did this happen? Well, the unfortunate truth is that the media tends to be drawn to stories that align with their own narratives or cater to their target audiences. In this case, the refugees’ story was overshadowed by other events deemed more newsworthy. The lack of media coverage further perpetuates the cycle of ignorance and apathy, leaving these vulnerable individuals feeling voiceless and abandoned.

On the other hand, we have the Titan submersible incident. Just a days after the refugee boat tragedy, the world was captivated by the news of a deep-sea exploration vessel that got into trouble. The crew members, predominantly wealthy and privileged individuals, faced a harrowing experience as they became stranded in the depths of the ocean. The media attention was immediate and intense, with live updates, dedicated news segments, and constant speculation about the fate of these individuals.

What drives this stark contrast in coverage and rescue efforts? The answer lies in the underlying class divide that still plagues our society. The refugees, predominantly from low-income backgrounds, lacked the privilege and financial resources to capture the attention of the media and trigger extensive rescue operations. Meanwhile, the Titan incident resonated with the affluent class, garnering substantial attention and resources poured into rescue efforts.

This disparity in media coverage and rescue efforts is a sobering reminder of the class divide that persists in our world. It’s a reminder that the voices and lives of the less fortunate are often overshadowed, while the experiences of the privileged are elevated. It highlights the systemic inequalities that permeate our society, favouring those with privilege and influence.

As a society, we must acknowledge this disparity and actively work towards bridging the gap. It’s crucial to raise awareness about the plights of marginalised communities, such as refugees, and give them the recognition and support they deserve. We need a media that is unbiased, ethical, and responsible, one that highlights stories of all people, regardless of their backgrounds or economic status.

Moreover, it’s high time we examine our own biases and prejudices. Let’s challenge the narratives that perpetuate inequality and amplify the voices of those who are often silenced. By doing so, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and empathetic society, where everyone’s story matters.

In conclusion, the Greek refugee boat disaster and the Titan submersible incident are just two examples that highlight the class divide in rescue efforts and media coverage. It’s a reminder that we still have a long way to go in creating a more equitable society. Let’s join hands and work together to ensure that no voice goes unheard, and no life is deemed unworthy of attention or compassion.

Choose Compassion This Refugee Week

Choose Compassion This Refugee Week

In a world often dominated by divisions, uncertainties, and barriers, it is within the depths of compassion that the light of humanity shines brightest. Within the intricate tapestry of human existence, the UK asylum system stands as a critical test of our collective compassion, calling upon us to extend a helping hand to those who have sought refuge on unfamiliar shores.

Compassion is the silent force that ignites empathy within our hearts, allowing us to step into the shoes of others and understand their struggles, hopes, and dreams. It is the profound realisation that we are all interconnected, and that the suffering of one is the concern of all. In the context of the UK asylum system, compassion serves as a guiding principle, beckoning us to approach this complex issue with open minds and open hearts.

When individuals flee their homelands due to persecution, violence, or unimaginable hardships, they embark on a treacherous journey to find solace and safety. They arrive on our shores with hearts filled with hope, seeking sanctuary in a country they believe to be a bastion of freedom, justice, and compassion. It is within our power, as a nation, to embrace these souls with open arms and provide them with the compassion they so desperately need.

Compassion in the UK asylum system begins by recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. It is about acknowledging their humanity, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or background. When we see refugees and asylum seekers as fellow human beings with stories that deserve to be heard, we unlock the potential for genuine empathy and understanding.

Furthermore, compassion requires us to challenge the narratives of fear and suspicion that often surround the discourse on asylum. It is easy to succumb to prejudice and stereotype, but true compassion compels us to rise above such biases and instead seek to foster a culture of inclusion and acceptance. By doing so, we create an environment where refugees and asylum seekers can rebuild their lives, contribute to their new communities, and flourish as individuals.

The UK asylum system, like any complex bureaucratic structure, is not without its challenges. It can be slow, overwhelming, and subject to flaws. However, it is in these moments that our compassion must shine even brighter. By advocating for a fair, efficient, and humane asylum process, we become agents of change, ensuring that those who seek refuge receive the care and support they desperately need.

Compassion also calls upon us to address the root causes that force individuals to flee their homes. It is not enough to provide temporary shelter; we must strive for lasting solutions that bring peace, stability, and justice to the places torn apart by conflict and persecution. By engaging in diplomacy, supporting humanitarian efforts, and fostering international cooperation, we can help alleviate the suffering that compels people to seek asylum in the first place.

Ultimately, the UK asylum system is a reflection of our collective values and the depth of our compassion. It is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to human rights, social justice, and the innate goodness that resides within each and every one of us. It is a chance to uplift, inspire, and empower those who have been forced to navigate a tumultuous journey in search of safety and freedom.

As we navigate the complexities of the UK asylum system, let us remember that compassion is not merely an abstract concept but a transformative force that has the power to reshape lives, communities, and nations. Let us embody compassion in our words, actions, and policies, forging a path towards a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.

In embracing compassion, we become the architects of a future where asylum seekers are no longer viewed as burdens but as resilient individuals who enrich the fabric of our society. Together, let us build a nation that stands tall as a beacon of hope, understanding, and unwavering compassion within the intricate tapestry of our global community.

Choose compassion this refugee week.

“It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” ~ Oscar Wilde.

“It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” ~ Oscar Wilde.

Food for thought as we head into 2023 and it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish
between fact and fake news.
Barely into the new year and already the headlines are filled with large, scary sounding
figures as we are told record numbers of people crossed the channel last year, and grim
predictions are made about migration for the year ahead.
Such pre-emptive pessimism seems to set the tone for another year of misinformation and
thinly veiled racist rhetoric from the mainstream media, as we stray ever further from our
supposedly free press.
True enough, migration is an emotive issue and with the threat of poverty looming over many
of us as prices continue to rise, it is little surprise that such sensationalist media coverage
leads many to blame the country’s current state almost entirely on migration alone.
But the widespread anger felt by the nation is less a result of migration itself, and more the
prolonged mismanagement of an already broken immigration system. With fear and hatred
being insidiously spread amongst communities through wilful misrepresentation of the
situation and the use of provocative and inaccurate language by politicians and the
mainstream media.
The concerns of citizens go far deeper than the manufactured fear of a few innocent,
desperate people seeking safety on our shores. With public services in crisis, the migration
situation is just a convenient scapegoat for what are actually the bleak results of 12 years
(and counting) of Tory austerity, core budget cuts and restrictions on local councils.
The ‘record’ numbers reported to have crossed the channel in 2022 refers only to small boat
crossings. The ‘record’ began in 2018, small boat channel crossings were a rarity until 2019,
so such a dramatic statement highlights nothing more than a change in the way people are
arriving.


The horrific amounts of money reportedly being spent on hotel accommodation and asylum
support is another popular bone of contention at the moment. During the cost of living crisis
this really begs the question – is the government’s commitment to the ‘hostile environment’
strategy really in the public interest?
The reason we are obliged to provide accommodation and support to people arriving here is
because we do not give people the right to support themselves. The argument for allowing
people to work while their asylum claim is being processed has never been stronger. Not
only would the asylum support bill go down drastically, but we would see over £100 Million a
year going back into the economy through tax revenues and National Insurance
contributions, not to mention the much needed skilled labour during a national skills
shortage.

But you won’t find headlines highlighting these facts because using the socio-economic
crisis to fuel division and fear in communities is obviously far more valuable to Suella
Braverman et al. than it would be to actually attempt to solve the issues.
The truth is looking back over the decades we can see peaks in these sensationalist
headlines, when migration is dragged into the spotlight to be blamed for one government
failing of another, or to gain support, and with these peaks we see a change in the public
opinion towards migration.
To get an idea of just how influential media coverage has been, note a YouGov poll held
weeks before the Brexit Referendum, when anti-migrant press coverage was at a high, 56%
of the country thought ‘immigration and asylum’ were the most important issues facing
Britain. Soon after the vote that dropped to 46%.
The press continued to tail off their media coverage and by 2019 the average number of
people who believed immigration was the key issue facing Britain fell to just 20%. The
migration situation had not changed in any big way, but as the media coverage drops off so
too does the public interest.
So it is with that, that I encourage everyone to question everything this year, don’t allow
yourselves to be swayed by doom-posting media drama. Choose compassion, choose
humanity, choose love.