Sheffield campaigners for asylum seekers’ right to work call for council backing
Campaigners to restore the right to work for people seeking asylum have lobbied Sheffield City Council to put pressure on the government to support their cause.
Supporters of the Lift the Ban Coalition joined a protest outside the monthly meeting of Sheffield City Council on Wednesday (November 5). Speakers at the rally included refugees and asylum seekers sharing their experiences.
Other speakers included Green Party councillor Brian Holmshaw and representatives of organisations including Assist, Stand Up to Racism, South Yorkshire Migration and Asylum Action Group (SYMAAG), Sheffield Trades Council and Chile Solidarity Network.
Inside the meeting, members of the campaign questioned leader of the council Coun Tom Hunt. They said that the council supported Lift the Ban two years ago and now want it to actively take up the ossue with the government.
Nadia Jama asked how the council intends to monitor and report progress on its commitment.
She added: “Will Sheffield City Council establish a reporting mechanism or public update through the Equality Hub, so that all Sheffield residents can track what actions the council has taken and or implemented?
Support
“Also, can the council confirm what outcomes they have achieved since their endorsement of the campaign for people seeking asylum in Sheffield?” Coun Hunt responded: “Sheffield City Council remains committed to the Lift the Ban campaign for asylum seekers to be granted the right to work, as resolved by full council in July 2023.
“Following that motion, we formally joined the national Lift the Ban coalition, signalling our support for the campaign and adding our voice to the national call for change. While the power to change work rights for asylum seekers lies with central government, the council has focused on what we can do locally in the meantime.
“Since endorsing Lift the Ban, we have strengthened our partnerships and support for people seeking asylum. For example, Sheffield has a Strategic Refugee, Asylum and Migration Group with local charities and public services to better coordinate support citywide.
“This helps us identify and address issues such as access to training or volunteering opportunities more effectively.
“We have also backed the development of a local ‘myth-busting’ information initiative to improve public understanding of asylum seekers’ situations.
Barriers
“Internally, we are gathering data on barriers asylum seekers face and monitoring key indicators such as how many asylum seekers are engaging in skills programmes so we can measure progress. These steps, while not a replacement for the right to work, are tangible outcomes of our commitment that make a difference now.”
He added: “The council continues to work towards becoming an accredited Council of Sanctuary and our monitoring efforts are best framed within that broader context – focusing on how we support new arrivals to Sheffield and promote inclusion.
"This includes tracking progress through existing mechanisms such as the Annual Equality Report, Race Equality Partnership for Sheffield (REPS) and our wider cohesion and sanctuary work.”
Melinda Momartinez of City of Sanctuary asked: “Supporting Lift the Ban also means helping residents understand its importance. What steps is Sheffield City Council taking to raise public awareness about asylum seekers’ right to work, using its communication channels, City of Sanctuary networks, and community partnerships?
“Will the council commit to publishing an annual update on actions taken to promote understanding and inclusion of asylum seekers in Sheffield?”
Coun Hunt replied: “Since the July 2023 motion, we have taken steps to raise public awareness about asylum seekers’ right to work through our communications channels, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.” He said the council has shared positive stories and facts, including during Refugee Week, to challenge misconceptions and highlight the contributions asylum seekers can make.