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How GRAHAM is giving hope to these Ukrainian refugees

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GRAHAM has welcomed nine Ukrainian refugees into its Building North division. 

Construction workers in front of Ukrainian flag
by Rory ButlerDecember 19, 2022

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The recent hires, fleeing a country riven by war with Russia, will be based at two sites in Glasgow, via a strategic partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

GRAHAM offered the new recruits a one-year fixed contract each as general labourers, after the DWP helped them complete their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) training. 

The nine hires are among 16 recent new starts working across the PLATFORM_Glasgow (Renting Reimagined) and Candleriggs Square build-to-rent (BTR) sites in the city. 

It is also part of GRAHAM’s wider strategy to encourage people from varying backgrounds to consider a career in construction, via ongoing work with Action for Children. 

Many of the refugees currently live in nearby hotels or on a cruise ship docked on the River Clyde. 

Some plan to use their wages for private accommodation in the city until it is safe to return home, while others are sending their earnings back to loved ones still amid the conflict. 

“Whilst we can’t begin to imagine the hardship that many have faced back home before arriving in Scotland, we are proud to hear about the positive impact guaranteed employment for at least one year is having on their mental wellbeing,” said Debbie Rutherford, Social Impact Manager at GRAHAM.