ISS marked World Refugee Day on Friday, 20th June by reaffirming its commitment to supporting refugee employment and creating pathways for people to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
Having welcomed more than 90 refugees into its workforce across the UK and Ireland over the past year, ISS is continuing to foster a company of belonging, creating pathways for people to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
One example is Abdullah Omar, a refugee from Sudan, whose inspiring story tells of his resilience and courage to start a new life in a new home, and demonstrates the far-reaching impact that refugee employment programmes make for individuals, their families, and their adoptive communities.
Finding employment is a pivotal step for refugees in their transition into a new life
When Abdullah first arrived in the UK, he faced significant challenges — without his family and working only on a zero-hour contract, he lacked the stable footing he needed to start a new life here.
It was then, in December 2024, that Abdullah secured a role as part of ISS's housekeeping team at PwC’s offices in London.
Again rising to the challenge, and despite not knowing anyone in the team and being in an unfamiliar place, he embraced his role, learning on the job while undergoing extensive training.
With inspiring dedication and hard work, he has grown into a confident and valued team member, managing tasks across multiple floors and supporting his colleagues in a fast-paced workplace.
Working in a permanent role with ISS, he has gained financial security for himself in the UK and been able to help his family back in Sudan, including his mother, five siblings and his extended family, sending them financial support for food and other essentials.
Abdullah says: “I enjoy the work, I like the environment, I appreciate my colleagues and the teamwork, and I value the stability it brings.
"I’m delighted to be working for ISS as a housekeeping operative, managing tasks across multiple floors of our client buildings.
From operating machinery to maintaining building operations and collaborating with colleagues, this job has had a truly positive impact on my life.
“I’m especially grateful that this job with ISS has enabled me to support my family and will help me reunite with my wife in the UK in the future.” Abdullah’s wife currently lives in Ethiopia, where they married in January 2024."
Alison Compton, National Operations Lead for ISS at PwC, adds, “Abdullah has quickly become a superstar within our team, offering fresh perspectives and engaging proactively with clients.
In 2023, ISS made a global pledge to hire 1,000 refugees across its European business over the next three years. In the past year, the UK & Ireland business is proud to have welcomed more than 90 refugees into its workforce, helping to break down barriers and welcome these as they seek to build new lives and careers in Britain and Ireland.
ISS partners with organisations including Tent, a non-profit working with a coalition of 70 major companies from across the country, helping refugees enter the labour market through job preparation and employment. The partnership is a key part of ISS's journey to be the global Company of Belonging, and we are proud to continue our support to refugees on their paths to rebuild their lives and find safety and stability in a new home.
In 2023, ISS made a global pledge to hire 1,000 refugees across its European business over the next three years.
In the past year, the UK & Ireland business is proud to have welcomed more than 90 refugees into its workforce, helping to break down barriers and welcome these as they seek to build new lives and careers in Britain and Ireland.
ISS partners with organisations including Tent, a non-profit working with a coalition of 70 major companies from across the country, helping refugees enter the labour market through job preparation and employment.
The partnership is a key part of ISS's journey to be the global Company of Belonging, and we are proud to continue our support to refugees on their paths to rebuild their lives and find safety and stability in a new home.
Scott Davies, CEO, ISS UK & Ireland, says: “Our commitment also extends to providing our refugee colleagues with the training and support they need to successfully integrate into the workplace.
“As part of our ambition to be the global Company of Belonging, we continue to drive our refugee employment programmes and expand our social value initiatives for the benefit of our organisation, and for our wider society.”
Steve Jones, Head of Employability, ISS UK & Ireland, adds: “Finding employment is a pivotal step for refugees in their transition into a new life, offering stability and a path to integrating within society.
At ISS, we recognise the importance of driving this change.
With global humanitarian crises growing, we’re committed to accelerating our efforts, with a commitment to bring 300 refugees into jobs across the UK & Ireland by the end of 2026.
By welcoming refugees like Abdullah, we’re gaining talented individuals for our business and creating an inclusive environment that enhances our team's effectiveness.
“We know the value of this commitment, which is transforming lives, creating lasting opportunities and strengthening our communities.”
