A parliamentary debate, held last week, heard cross-party support for lifting the ban on asylum seekers taking paid employment.

Caroline Noakes MP, the Immigration Minister, said the government was ‘listening very carefully’ to the arguments on the right to work, that they have ‘much merit’, and that she was ‘looking forward’ to further discussion.

But Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, went a step further saying the rules banning asylum seekers from working while their claims were processed would be ‘lifted’ under a Labour government.

The comments come after the Lift the Ban coalition, made up of 80 groups including the United Reformed Church, non-profit organisations, thinktanks, businesses and faith groups, launched a campaign to change the rules.

In a letter to The Telegraph, published on 24 October, church leaders – including those from the URC, Methodist Church, Baptist Union of Great Britain, Quakers in Britain and Church of Scotland – highlighted the difficulties faced by asylum seekers in the UK.

The letter said: ‘Banned from working, asylum seekers are given just £5.39 a day to meet all their essential living costs. 

‘The struggle to make ends meet, coupled with the social isolation experienced by many, takes a toll on their physical and mental health. 

‘We must ensure we provide a route out of poverty for those seeking asylum. Enabling people to work gives them the dignity of beaing able to provide for themselves and their families. They can also use their skills to contribute to the economy.’

Click here for information on how you can help the Lift the Ban coalition.

Picture: People at a rally to welcome asylum seekers and refugees: Takver/Flickr