M&S has launched a new job support package aimed at Ukranian refugees to make applying and settling into a job at the company “easier for those forced to flee their country”.
The package includes a new careers platform with translated job descriptions to encourage refugees to apply for jobs at M&S.
Some of the roles available on the new platform include warehouse operatives and customer assistants, though those who speak fluent English are encouraged to apply for other vacancies.
Additionally, a financial support package for refugees starting work at the retailer includes £100 in M&S vouchers that can be used across clothing and food “to help them get started”.
The company will also help with travel costs up to the first payday.
Refugees who become employed by M&S will also receive “additional training and support to settle into your roles as smoothly as possible”, the retailer added on its new careers page.
Each individual will be able to display the languages they speak on their name badges to enable a smoother communication with colleagues and customers.
M&S group HR director Sarah Findlater said: “Adjusting to a new job, let alone to a new country, culture and language, can be a difficult time.
“We hope these small measures have a big impact in helping refugees heal and begin to rebuild their lives. I look forward to welcoming them to the M&S family.”
M&S was one of many retailers that supported Unicef UK’s Ukraine Appeal, made donations to the UNHCR and the UN Refugee Agency and organised customer and colleague fundraising campaigns.
Health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett too has launched a refugee wellness platform, which provides free resources to organisations seeking help to support and settle refugees.
The platform will initially focus on content and resources aimed at supporting women’s health, maternal health and adult and child nutrition.
The guides are available both in English and Ukrainian, with additional language translations to follow.
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