Boris calls for all refugees to be given English lessons

Mayor Boris Johnson has launched a scheme to give all refugees English lessons to help them find jobs.

The strategy, called London Enriched, is designed to help those seeking asylum integrate better and find employment. A special migration board, headed by deputy mayor Richard Barnes, will lobby for better provision of ESOL, English lessons for speakers of other languages, across London.

Mr Johnson said: "It is imperative that refugees learn English as soon as possible to ease their integration into London life. Without it, they face immense barriers to gaining employment and further education, the necessary tools that will enable them to fully function and contribute to society.

"London is a great, teeming cosmo-polis of talent and my ancestors benefited from being able to come to this great city and I'm very proud of that. We don't want to become a society that is hostile to the talent and energy people can offer.

"Refugees bring skills, experience, knowledge and often an entrepreneurial spirit that can make a vital contribution to London's economy.

"But it must be a two-way street, built on positive engagement by both refugees and settled communities for the benefit of all Londoners."

Called the London Strategic Migration Partnership, the board plans to ensure all refugees have access to appropriate tuition, improving their ability to find jobs by promoting training and skills.

It also will ensure that the police and justice system deliver high-quality services, and that refugee children are given the same opportunities as their peers.

The board will work closely with the London Skills Council, which provides funding for ESOL through the Government's adult learning budget.

It will make sure funds are directed to those parts of London with high demand, such as Tower Hamlets where budget cuts have caused concern over services available.

Donna Covey, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: "We're very pleased the Mayor recognises the huge contribution refugees make to London, and how important it is that there is a strategy to ensure they are able to continue to do so. The process of integration starts from the moment a refugee arrives here. We look forward to working with him to ensure that there are enough opportunities for refugees to learn English, look for work, and rebuild their lives as part of thriving, successful communities."