Hogan Lovells joins Fuse business network to support refugee employment in the UK

Press releases | 05 May 2023

London, 5 May 2023 – Global law firm Hogan Lovells has partnered with specialist refugee UK employment charity Breaking Barriers to support refugees in London, Greater Manchester, and Birmingham in securing meaningful employment.

The partnership has led Hogan Lovells to become a member of the Fuse business network, which unites businesses in supporting refugees by providing tools to create inclusive and diverse workplaces. The network's Action Plan includes four steps that businesses of any size, sector, or starting point can take: Educate, Collaborate, Identify, and Participate. Through exclusive events, workshops and guidance, network members support each other by sharing challenges and successes.

“We are proud to join the Fuse Business network and support Breaking Barriers in their efforts to improve the lives of refugees through meaningful employment," said partner Ardil Salem at Hogan Lovells. “There has never been a greater need for genuine collaboration and support across the business community to support refugees in the UK.”

Matt Powell, CEO of Breaking Barriers says: "We are proud to be partnering with Hogan Lovells to support more refugees to take steps towards meaningful employment. Their experience in diversity and inclusion will be of high value to our business network, Fuse, and will help other businesses to learn from their experience."

Last year, Hogan Lovells supported the Afghan Pro Bono Initiative and developed four projects in Germany, the UK, France, and Italy. The projects aimed to strengthen access to legal assistance for Afghans seeking family reunification or other legal pathways. Hogan Lovells also partners with The Human Safety Net (THSN) to unlock the potential of people living in vulnerable circumstances, including refugees. Since 2020, Hogan Lovells has acted as the official legal partner of THSN's refugee startup initiative, supporting network organizations in Germany and Italy, such as SINGA or the Saarland Start-up Office for Migrants.

Additionally, Hogan Lovells supports Refugio Munich, with Patrick Ayad serving as a member of the board of the foundation ChancenReich Refugio München since April 2022. Refugio München provides counselling and treatment to displaced people who have experienced trauma and psychological stress due to human rights violations.

To learn more about the Fuse business network, click here.