The condition has the unintended consequence of deterring some BN(O)s from • Professional bodies, for example in teaching and health professions, should review the seeking help that they need and to which they are entitled, for example Jobcentre Plus process of recognition of qualifications with a view to streamlining and fast-tracking without (JCP) services. [...] We also found that many The research builds on the findings of the BN(O)s are finding life in the UK more first large nationally representative survey expensive than they had anticipated because of BN(O)s carried out by the Welcoming the cost of living rose sharply in the months Committee for Hong Kongers in 20233. [...] These included some who had been in teaching Most of the interview participants had not achieved a degree of roles in Hong Kong but who are now working in support roles in Most of the fit with their previous job in Hong Kong. [...] Confidence in speaking English 41% • The application process was found to be very different in the UK than in Hong Kong, with BN(O)s not used to the Recognition of 19% emphasis on achievement and competencies. [...] I haven’t had job interviews for a long time In the interviews we explored barriers to finding work of any kind, (...) Plus, the language barrier makes me even more and barriers to finding the preferred kind of work, in particular timid, afraid to speak, affecting the interviews.” that which matches skills, qualifications and experience.
- Pages
- 65
- Published in
- United Kingdom
Table of Contents
- Funded by 1
- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2
- CONTENTS 3
- Introduction 4
- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4
- BNOs made little use of mainstream services for example Jobcentre Plus JCP and the National Careers Service NCS 5
- Our Recommendations 6
- Personalised and tailored advice on their employment options would help many to get back into work that matches their qualifications and skills 7
- 1. INTRODUCTION RESEARCH METHODS 8
- Introduction 8
- We found that 99 per cent of BNO s are here to stay. They are keen to settle integrate and to become British citizens 8
- Research Methods 9
- Structure of the report 9
- 2. Settling in during a cost-of-living crisis 10
- 3. Employment new lives new jobs 16
- 4. Barriers to finding work 21
- While many BNOs are keen to find more skilled work often involving returning to their previous occupation and level of seniority others had a different perspective. 30
- 5. Experiences of working in the UK 31
- Feeling welcomed at work 31
- Problems at work 32
- 6. Impact of cost of living and job search on financial and mental well-being 38
- Months of unsuccessful job search had also taken an emotional toll on some participants 40
- 7. Seeking help and finding resources 42
- 8. The changes Hong Kongers would like to see 49
- Participants had frequently found that employers lack awareness of the BNO visa in particular whether it is a permanent visa and regarding the right to work 52
- 9. Hopes for the future 54
- 10. Conclusions and recommendations 57
- Appendix 1 Methodology 63
- Notes and references 64
- Funded by 65
