Commenting on reports that private security firm G4S is being considered for a UKBA contract to provide housing to asylum seekers, Refugee Action Chief Executive Dave Garratt said:

“It should not be forgotten that asylum seekers are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Therefore, we do have concerns about the fact that these bidders do not have a history of working as social landlords.

“Before signing the contracts we urge UKBA to ensure that these companies really will work with asylum seekers, local communities and voluntary and statutory organisations to put the needs of their vulnerable tenants at the heart of their work. Refugee Action is committed to safeguarding the welfare of refugees and asylum seekers, and we will closely monitor the experiences of the people we work with.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Julia Ravenscroft, media officer
at Refugee Action, on 0161 831 5454/ 07771 748 159 or
Juliar@refugee-action.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

• Refugee Action is an independent, national charity working to enable refugees to build new lives. We provide practical advice and assistance for newly arrived asylum seekers and long-term commitment to their settlement through community development work, and received 30,000 visits from asylum seekers last year. As one of the country’s leading agencies in the field, Refugee Action has 30 year’ experience in pioneering innovative work in partnership with refugees.