Right now, right here in the UK, people seeking refugee status are banned from working whilst they wait months, and often years, for a decision on their asylum claim.

Instead, they are forced into poverty, left to live on just £5.84 per day; the Government wastes millions of pounds of taxpayer’s money; and the UK ecomony misses out on the much-needed skills of thousands of people. Click here to listen to Cathy explain why this ban is clearly harmful to everyone. 

We think the ban is wrong, plain and simple. We believe that people who have risked everything to find safety should have the best chance of contributing to our society and integrating into our communities. This means giving people seeking asylum the right to work so that they can use their skills and live in dignity.

The Lift the Ban coalition is working to change this. Together, we believe we can #LiftTheBan and ensure that people seeking safety in the UK have the right to work.

City of Sanctuary UK is a proud member of the Lift the Ban coalition.

The latest campaign from the Lift the Ban coalition is the High Street Challenge. This is all about getting businesses onboard to win the right to work.

If we can build mass support with local businesses, it’s more likely that the Government will listen to common sense and overturn the ban.

The High Street Challenge is all about calling on local businesses of all shapes and sizes to become a Lift the Ban Business Ally. The campaign needs your help to ask businesses and shop owners in your community to back the campaign. From hairdressers to cafe owners, estate agents to ice cream parlours, any business can step up and speak out.

It’s easy to get involved.

Step 1) Download the High Street Challenge Handbook

Step 2) Connect with other campaigners in your area by emailing [email protected]

Step 3) Choose some businesses in your community

Step 4) Download these handy resources like sign-up sheets and posters.

Step 5) Approach the business and explain the campaign to them

Step 6) Turn support into action – ask the business to become a Lift the Ban ally

Step 7) Maximise their support – get press coverage and share with decision makers

For more details, guidance, inspiration and ideas, download the High Street Challenge Handbook.