REFUGEES living in Glasgow will not be removed from their homes while their cases are temporarily suspended.

Shelter Scotland have confirmed an agreement with Serco which ensures that asylum seekers will not be removed from their homes whilst the lawfulness of a potential lock change is tested.

The homelessness charity are currently taking court action against the private housing provider Serco.

Following events at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “Serco have provided an undertaking to the court that they will not take any steps to remove our clients from their homes whilst our clients’ cases and Legal Services Agency’s case has been temporarily suspended.

“The hearing on interim orders on 27 August has therefore been discharged as it is not currently required.

“All parties agree that the law should be clarified. This undertaking provides our clients with some security that they will not be removed from their homes whilst the lawfulness of a lock change is tested.

“We are aware that there are two actions in the court of session. We are not familiar with all the arguments or facts in those cases and will review our clients' cases in due course. The suspension of the case will also allow our client’s legal aid applications to be considered.”

Mr Brown added: “Our cases remain in court and we are prepared to argue our points if necessary as we consider that a lock change without due process would be a violation of our clients' human rights.

"We also have concerns that this practice is discriminatory against disabled persons facing destitution.

“We will continue to provide free legal advice to those at risk of a lock change, working alongside partner agencies at the legal surgeries hosted by the Scottish Refugee Council.”