BCP Council is hoping that more local businesses will come forward to offer employment to Ukrainian refugees.

Bournemouth Airport, owners of care homes and many others have offered job opportunities.

So far 114 residents have applied to sponsor Ukrainian refugees into their homes through the national Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Council staff have been working at weekends and in the evenings to ensure that checks on properties and on hosts are being carried out as quickly as possible.

Welcome material has been set up at the airport and train stations and the council is also preparing welcome packs for refugees containing essential local information in Ukrainian, Polish and Russian with an English version being given to local hosts.

Cllr Karen Rampton, portfolio holder for People and Homes, said the council would welcome further offers from all sectors ready for the arrivals.

She said: “I’d just like to give a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone in our community who have generously offered accommodation, employment opportunities and other support to Ukrainians.

“Your kindness will help make a difference at this horrendous time for them.

“We know many refugees would love to work, so if you are a business and have a work opportunity, please do get in touch with us and we’ll make sure to pass it on.

“Our council staff and elected members care as passionately about this crisis as many of you do and we are doing our utmost to ensure we provide the very best support and welcome.”

Any sponsors or Ukrainians who would like further information from the council are encouraged to email resettlement@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Businesses who would like to make an offer of employment should email resettlement@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Offers will be shared with Jobcentre Plus who will help to co-ordinate the opportunities.

More than 500 boxes of PPE, including visors, aprons and masks were sent from the council to Ukraine earlier this week.