Poverty is a hot topic just now, with everyone moving downwards. Spending cuts, job losses, benefit cuts – few of us, apart from the richest and the bankers – seem to be immune.
But what of those who are already very vulnerable? A new study, conducted by the Scottish Poverty Information Unit and commissioned by ourselves, has revealed that refugees face more barriers than others in getting out of poverty.
The researchers interviewed 12 refugees who had been in Scotland for 6 months to 9 years. All of them agreed that work was the best way to escape poverty. Those surveyed want to work, to support themselves, contribute to society and lead a dignified life.
Opportunity
But there’s a problem – work isn’t working. Watch this short video of our research officer Gareth Mulvey discussing the research.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aCQhwTT8Ag
Dignity
What do you need to lead a dignified life? This was one of the questions asked in the research. The top answer was a warm home and two meals a day. For people recognised as Refugees (that is having a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin) and who want to work and contribute to the UK, that doesn’t seem like a lot to ask.
Read the summary of the report including our recommendations. And tell us what you think you need in order to lead a dignified life.
