Mobilising UK businesses as a positive force for refugee labour inclusion

Client: Tent UK

Tent UK is a network of over 80 large employers working to support refugee employment across the UK. We partner with businesses because access to work is a critical step for refugees in rebuilding lives, and because employers across sectors are seeking new, sustainable ways to address ongoing recruitment challenges.

Launched in March 2024, Tent UK brings international best practice to a UK context. It convenes leading employers across sectors, providing free expert guidance, resources, training for teams involved in hiring & onboarding, and opportunities for peer learning. This approach enables businesses to translate CSR and DEI commitments into practical action.

Over the past year, Tent UK has played a central delivery and coordination role, working with employers including IKEA, Pret A Manger, De Vere Hotels, Adecco Group, Odeon Cinemas, and Practice Plus Group. Together, these employers have implemented refugee hiring initiatives across multiple cities in England, Scotland and Wales, embedding inclusive recruitment within mainstream business operations.

By aligning social purpose with operational needs, Tent UK’s model demonstrates how businesses can deliver meaningful, scalable social impact through employment, while strengthening their workforces and contributing positively to the communities in which they operate.