Finding jobs and security for refugees in London

Here at Mayfair Catering we are big on social responsibility and, from the outset, we were keen to support the victims of the Ukrainian conflict by offering job opportunities to refugees here in London.  Around 15 million displaced Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety since the war began in February 2022. Around 77,000 of them have sought asylum in the UK. We are proud to have made a small contribution by offering positions to 16 Ukrainians in our operations in London.

Sisters Marina (pictured right) and Alina (left) recall the terror as Russian warplanes flew over their house. ‘For the first few days, we were hiding in a bunker,’ they told us. ‘Our street was filled with military vehicles, and our school became a billet for soldiers. The fighting was happening only 60 miles from where we lived.’

In fear of their lives, they decided to run to Poland, facing days of waiting and uncertainty at the border. ‘We thought we were going to build our lives in Ukraine but overnight our country had become a frightening place to live.’

The sisters were met at the Polish border by volunteers and accommodated in a hostel; thanks to the kindness of a stranger, they then found a temporary home in the seaside town of Serbino. ‘Although we had family in the UK, we had to wait for six months for the ‘Home for Ukraine’ scheme to begin before we could join them.’

Within a week of arriving in the UK, Alina and Marina were able to open bank accounts, register for the NHS, and apply for their first jobs with Mayfair Catering.

‘We still don’t know what the future holds for us,’ they say. ‘But for now, we are safe. And we are grateful for the support that British people have shown to Ukraine.’

Mayfair Catering has been supplying corporate catering to offices and venues across London for over 25 years. Cooked from either our premises or yours we supply fresh, seasonal and always delicious food to venues as varied as the Association of British Insurers and Which magazine. If you would like more information or maybe a quote, please get in touch at 0207 323 0112 or enquiries@mayfaircatering.com