Many refugees working in Britain have less skilled jobs than those they left behind in their home countries, according to a study.

The Department for Work and Pensions found that 40 per cent of refugees said they could not use their skills in a paid job in the UK.

Refugees said they had worked previously in farming, health care or as shop owners, tradespeople and teachers but were now employed in catering, shop and clerical work and translation.

A quarter were in temporary jobs with just 35 per cent working full-time. More than one in four has university or further education qualifications.

Jo Cleary, director of social services at the Corporation of London, said the skills were not being used by the care sector despite the recruitment crisis because many face restrictions on when they can work.

A Refugee Council spokesperson said: "This latest piece of government research provides us with further evidence that the skills and commitment of refugees are not being properly utilised by our society."

- Refugees' Opportunities and Barriers in Employment and Training from www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5