Phoebe Leung, key worker on our 'Jobs for Hongkongers' initiative, alongside Mandira Hughes, Employment Project Manager – North West Regional Strategic Migration Partnership and Employer Engagement Consultant at GC, got the opportunity to visit No.10 Downing Street to both celebrate Lunar New Year and spread the word about Jobs for Hongkongers.
Jobs for Hongkongers was set up in 2023 by GC across the North-West of England, to support Hong Kong British National (Overseas) residents coming to our region. This site provides access to employment and support services. The initiative provides a searchable list of vacancies with employers who have committed to providing good job opportunities in a supportive environment.
About the experience of visiting the most famous street in the UK, Phoebe told us:
"I had an amazing time. It was incredible to see all the Lunar New Year decorations adorning the building. The pictures of past Prime Ministers in the hallway made me think about the history of the place and how different cultures come together there. The lion dance was exciting, and I also enjoyed many delicious oriental cuisines. One of the highlights was meeting Larry the cat who was having an evening walk just outside the building."
Mandira explained what the visit meant to her:
“It was an absolute pleasure to attend Downing Street for their Lunar New Year celebration. The Chancellor personally thanked the BN(O) visa community for their contribution to UK society in his speech. I will echo these words. I am immensely proud to be supporting this cohort with their employment journey and educating businesses too."
During the event, Phoebe had the opportunity to promote Jobs for Hongkongers with the guests there:
"It was great to catch up with different Hongkongers and hear their stories. It was truly heart warming to witness the positive response and support for this initiative, making Hongkongers feel even more welcome and appreciated. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's speech welcoming us, including the BN(O) residents, further reinforced the importance of such initiatives and made me feel genuinely proud to be a part of it all."
"There are currently over a hundred people receiving support through the initiative and more businesses are getting involved to create a more inclusive environment and help migrants break through the barriers they face."
