The labour force experiences of refugees in Britain: The case of refugees from Vietnam.

This thesis examines the labour force experiences of refugees living in Britain. By
describing and exploring the employment, unemployment, training and job-search
experiences of refugees from Vietnam it seeks to fill gaps in the existing literature. The
literature currently recognises the importance of employment in the resettlement process,
but fails to provide much insight into the long term experiences of refugees. Further, this
thesis presents a new conceptual framework for understanding refugee labour force
experiences.
Literature from a wide range of disciplines informs a theoretical framework which
stresses the complex and diverse nature of influences on refugee labour force
experiences. The review of the experiences of refugees from Vietnam, draws on existing
literature and novel quantitative analysis of the 1991 census, before giving a voice to the
refugees themselves. Workers at 27 Vietnamese Community Associations around
Britain describe labour force experiences in the areas they serve, while half also detail
their own individual labour force careers. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the
refugees' own interpretations of what has influenced their labour force experiences, and
their reactions to those experiences.
This thesis confirms that the refugees from Vietnam are spatially concentrated in
locations which are characterised by high unemployment and a high ethnic Chinese
population. This is reflected in their labour force experiences, which are dominated by
unemployment or manual employment, particularly within the ethnic sector.
Employment remains a minority experience for Vietnam refugees living in the majority of
locations, although location specific differences in labour force experiences are identified.
Self-reliance within the community of refugees from Vietnam is strong, as is the
significance of access to labour force opportunities with the ethnic Chinese population.
Both factors, do however have benefits and drawbacks.
The evidence presented in this thesis supports the proposed framework for
understanding refugee labour force experiences. Accordingly, this thesis argues for a
refugee policy which recognises both the importance of employment in the resettlement
process, and the complexity of factors which influence labour force experiences. A
comprehensive programme of intervention is recommended to improve refugee labour
force experiences, and community development is seen as a key element of this. A call
for a permanent refugee resettlement organisation is also made.