The online questionnaire carried out by the EPC and asking employers to share the difficulties they face in hiring refugees highlighted three main obstacles: recognition of qualifications, insufficient language or job-specific training possibilities and insufficient support by local and national authorities. This expert workshop focused on these three main obstacles and discussions revolved around showcasing good practices and proposing recommendations. Some of the recommendations included involving all stakeholders in the design of integration policies, improving communication with employers to ensure that they are aware of the services and tools available to ease the employment of refugees, promoting a mentoring approach, creating a pan-European system to recognise third-country nationals’ qualifications, simplifying administrative procedures and fighting discrimination. Participants represented private companies, employers’ associations, members of the EU institutions, trade-unions and civil society organisations.

Speakers included: Raluca Radescu, Policy Adviser at European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CESI); Marina Malgina,  Head of Section for Recognition of Refugees' Qualifications at NOKUT Norway; Arancha Fernández Igoa, Europe HR Operations Director at UPS; Bruce Roch, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Adecco Group; Julie Bodson, Advocacy Coordinator at Duo for a Job; Juliette Loppé,Senior Policy Advisor at Eurochambers; Salvatore Sofia, Project Coordinator at Eurocities; Laurent Aujean, Policy Officer at Legal Migration and Integration Unit of Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs at the European Commission; Claire Dhéret, Senior Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre; Marie De Somer, Senior Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre.