Several Ukrainian refugees have recently been welcomed into Glasgow's working world by a popular construction company.

GRAHAM, a privately-owned company that specialises in the likes of construction and civil engineering, has employed nine Ukrainian refugees to work as general labourers.

The workforce has been offered one-year fixed work contracts to work on landmark build-to-rent sites across the city.

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The employment initiative has been delivered as part of GRAHAM's partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Glasgow Times:

DWP has been supporting Ukrainian refugees to prepare for, and find construction work in Scotland, by helping them to complete their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) training and accreditation.

Teresa McGoldrick, employment and partnership advisor at DWP, said: “It has been a really productive and incredibly warming experience re-engaging with GRAHAM to support their recruitment.

"Working with Debbie Rutherford at GRAHAM and my colleagues across DWP to ensure members of the displaced Ukrainian community have opportunities to work in construction and administrative roles has been an absolute pleasure.

“Our partnership working to provide support, training and the necessary certificates has allowed a number of Ukrainian people the chance to earn a living, support their families and feel part of the community here in Scotland.

"This has been an invaluable experience and GRAHAM has contributed hugely by acting responsively and continue to do so.”

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While currently living in nearby city centre hotels or on the cruise ship docked on the River Clyde, some of the team plan to use their wages to pay for private rental accommodation in the city until it is safe to return home.

While some have families living in Ukraine and are sending their earnings home to loved ones.

Debbie Rutherford, social impact manager at GRAHAM, said: “Our Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Plan and Charter influences every decision we make at GRAHAM.

"We are incredibly proud to champion a diverse workforce and we are consistently looking at how we can create bespoke opportunities for hard-to-reach groups.

“Working with DWP is an example of how we can collaborate to provide positive employment and development opportunities. Employing Ukrainian refugees is a unique example of encouraging people from diverse backgrounds into construction.

"Whilst we can’t begin to imagine the hardship that many have faced back home before arriving in Scotland, we are proud to hear about the positive impact guaranteed employment for at least one year is having on their mental well-being.

“Next year, we will continue our mission to ensure that people from disadvantaged backgrounds have equal opportunities in a career in construction.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming many new recruits through our dedicated GRAHAM Academy, as well as partnership opportunities.”