A book selling website has hired three refugees as part of a council scheme to help resettle those moving to the UK.

World of Books has taken part in the scheme to help those coming to the UK feel at home. The company also helps the refugees find a home and supports them with English language courses.

The scheme, in partnership with West Sussex County Council, has seen the business hire new employees from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria.

Emma Newman, talent acquisition manager at WOB, said: “Refugees face many obstacles when resettling in a new country. Not only is finding a home a common challenge, but having no permanent address means it can also be hard to find a job.

“We want to provide refugees with the financial support that will ultimately help to rebuild their life by securing a home and a steady income.”

The company has hired the new employees to work in their warehouse in Woods Way in Goring.

As part of the scheme to help the refugees feel at home in their new surroundings, the company has also provided dedicated prayer rooms. The new employees are also offered cultural integration workshops which are run by the council.

Instead of the refugees needing to go through the normal interview process, the candidates were given a welcome day where they could trial different roles and choose one which suited them.

Tim Tuckett, from West Sussex County Council, said: “We were especially impressed with the ease of employment for interested candidates with the right skills and the will to work hard.

The Argus: World of Books workers at the warehouse in GoringWorld of Books workers at the warehouse in Goring (Image: World of Books)

“Following a recent Welcome Day, a number of prospective candidates from our refugee cohort expressed interest in working for World of Books. This is a promising outlook for our joint interest in getting migrant families into work in the South East.”

World of Books is a book selling website which buys and sells pre-owned books under a number of brands. The company added that they are “dedicated to our company mission to protect the planet and support charities”.