Asylum seekers’ work

SIR – No one will disagree that people who are fleeing war or persecution should be given somewhere safe, where they can rebuild their lives. But due to Government policy, getting here is only the start of their problems for many people who arrive in Britain.

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 being able to provide for themselves and their families. They can also use their skills to contribute to the economy.

As leaders of religious communities representing diverse faiths and belief systems, what unites us is compassion.

We welcome the efforts of the Lift the Ban coalition and believe it is time asylum seekers were allowed to start working in the UK six months after their arrival.

Ahead of today’s Westminster Hall debate, we call on the Government to make this common sense change. Bala Gnanapragasam

Vice-president, Methodist Conference Dr Edie Friedman

Executive Director,

The Jewish Council for Racial Equality Imam Qari Asim

Chair, Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board and 13 others; see telegraph.co.uk