Chamber aids businesses to support Ukrainian refugees

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) are inviting local businesses interested in sponsoring or employing Ukrainian refugees to register for updates.

Businesses signed up with the Chambers ' mailing list will receive the latest briefing information.

Yesterday, the Government announced details of the Homes for Ukraine scheme and received over 40,000 applicants within 24 hours.

The GBCC has been undertaking a range of activities to keep local businesses informed of the latest developments in Ukraine and what they mean for local businesses.

A number of local businesses have expressed interest in sponsoring and employing Ukrainian refugees and the GBCC will be working to connect them.

Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities launched the Homes for Ukraine scheme yesterday.

Henrietta Brealey (pictured), chief executive of the GBCC, said: “The heart-breaking events unfolding in the Ukraine have left the world in shock and it 's brilliant to see that thousands of people across the country have already expressed their interest in signing up to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

“As a Chamber, we 've spoken to a number of businesses in the region that are keen to help wherever they possibly can and in light of yesterday 's announcement. Those interested in finding out more about how local businesses can sponsor and employ Ukrainian refugees can register for our mailing list.

“Over the coming weeks, we will brief businesses on how they can participate in the programme and play a vital role in offering a new start for those Ukrainians that have seen their world tragically turned upside down through no fault of their own. ”

Individuals living in the UK, charities, community groups and businesses can now record their interest in supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war via the Government 's new scheme.

Phase One will allow sponsors in the UK to nominate a named Ukrainian or a named Ukrainian family to stay with them in their home or in a separate property.

Individual sponsors will be asked to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for as long as they are able, with a minimum stay of 6 months. In return, they will receive £350 per month.

Those who have a named Ukrainian they wish to sponsor should contact them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application, with the application launching on Friday, 18 March.

Charities, faith groups and local community organisations are also helping to facilitate connections between individuals, for potential sponsors who do not have a named contact.

Ukrainians arriving in the UK under this scheme will be granted three years ' leave to remain, with entitlement to work, and access benefits and public services.

Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer and Morrisons are among UK retailers who have offered to employ Ukrainian refugees.

For further information on the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and the work the Chamber will be undertaking to connect local businesses to the programme, please fill in the short survey.

For more information or to record interest visit the Homes for Ukraine webpage.