New hope in a new home: Abdullah’s inspiring journey as a refugee building a new life in Britain — and a new career at ISS

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.

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, Abdullah rose to the challenge. 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. “I enjoy the work, I like the environment, I appreciate my colleagues and the teamwork, and I value the stability it brings,” he says. Alison Compton, National Operations Lead for ISS at PwC, also adds, “Abdullah has quickly become a superstar within our team, offering fresh perspectives and engaging proactively with clients. His efforts have attracted positive feedback from all levels of PwC.”

“By welcoming refugees like Abdullah, we’re gaining talented individuals for our business and creating an inclusive environment that enhances our team's effectiveness."

Alison Compton
National Operations Lead at ISS UK

Working in a permanent role with ISS, Abdullah has not only gained security for himself in the UK — he has also 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. He adds, “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.

"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.”

Abdullah Omar
Housekeeping Team, ISS UK at PwC

ISS is proud to partner with organisations like Tent, a coalition of 70 major companies from across the country, helping refugees enter the labour market through job preparation and employment. This partnership is a key part of ISS's journey to be the global Company of Belonging, and we are proud to support refugees like Abdullah on their paths to rebuild their lives and find safety and stability in a new home.

- ENDS -

For media enquiries: Jonny Bisby | jonny.bisby@uk.issworld.com | Tel: +44 (0) 7542 269 965

About ISS: ISS is a leading workplace experience and facilities management company. With a presence in more than 30 countries worldwide, and with more than 27,000 employees across the UK and Ireland alone, ISS provides innovative workplace solutions that contribute to better business performance aimed at making life easier, more productive, and enjoyable for all — delivered to high standards by people who care. Learn more at www.issworld.com.