Tain hotelier who is leading light in Scottish Licensed Trade Association leads calls for hospitality providers to create employment opportunities for Ukrainian refugees
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A Tain hotelier is leading calls to the Scottish Government to work with hospitality providers to create employment opportunities for Ukraine refugees.
John Shearer, president of the Highland & Islands Licensed Trade Association (HLTA), said: "The whole of Scotland I am sure is keen to help refugees at this very difficult time. We at the HLTA would like to offer jobs and, where possible, accommodation to Ukrainian nationals reaching the UK.
"On the back of the Government's new initiative to offer housing and accommodation subsidies, we would like to back that up and offer employment in a wide range of positions.
"This would mainly be offered by independent businesses especially in the north of Scotland and the Highlands. We hope this would allow refugees to relocate knowing they have the opportunity to earn an income.
"This will hopefully be temporary for them, however, a number of the positions could develop into permanent employment."
"We would also like to work in conjunction with Highland Council who I am sure are keen to help. The message to them is simple – you provide the accommodation we will provide the job."
Mr Shearer owns the Mansfield Castle and Morangie Hotels in Tain. HLTA represent bars, hotels and pubs licensed to sell alcohol in the north of Scotland.
Ross MSP Maree Todd said: “In the first instance, it’s important that we provide refugees with the necessary safeguarding, including mental health support, to help them adjust to life in Scotland. This will be the immediate priority but I very much welcome the statement from the president of the Highland Licensed Trade Association.
"The sentiments included in Mr Shearer’s statement mirror the messages that I have been receiving from constituents looking to support those fleeing the crisis in Ukraine – folk are keen to help in any way they can.
“Scotland has always played its part in providing sanctuary to those fleeing conflict and persecution and we stand ready to do so again. Scotland’s local authorities have played a huge role in supporting refugees in the past and will continue to do so going forward. I was pleased to see during an emergency debate on the March 10, that Highland Council members agreed that the council will engage to help develop the Government Sponsorship Scheme.
“The Highland Council and their partners have been commended for their previous work with refugees, so I have no doubt they will work alongside government again to provide Ukrainians safe sanctuary and the necessary support here in the Highlands.”
A Highland Council spokesperson said: "At the meeting of the Highland Council on March 10, the debate included discussion about humanitarian support, refugees support and support for staff, young people and the wider public and in particular for those with families and friends involved in the crisis.
"It was noted that the Highland Council has a strong track record in supporting refugees and asylum seeks and members urged urgent action by the UK Government to support those fleeing from Ukraine.
"Members agreed that the council will engage to help develop the Government Sponsorship scheme being proposed, which will build on current programmes and structures already in place to support refugees and migrants."
