Selfridges has removed references from its website to a training programme for asylum seekers that it ran in partnership with migrant charity Care4Calais. The references were removed after GB News contacted the department store about the scheme.
The programme started in 2025 and was called “Selfridges London x Care4Calais.” According to the report, the project had been planned for around two years before it was launched.
As part of the programme, migrants received two weeks of training. They were taught skills including coffee making, customer service, knife skills and hosting. Participants were also given the opportunity to gain a Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification and received help with preparing their CVs. The programme was designed to help them find opportunities in the hospitality industry.
The partnership attracted criticism because of Care4Calais’ work supporting migrants and refugees in northern France. The charity provides humanitarian support including clothing, food packs, smartphones, English lessons and other services. Some critics have argued that this type of support could encourage people to attempt illegal Channel crossings. However, Care4Calais strongly denies encouraging or helping people to enter Britain illegally.
Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf strongly criticised Selfridges over the programme. He argued that opportunities such as training and employment pathways should instead be available to young British people, particularly at a time when many young people are not working, studying or receiving training. His comments were criticism of the programme rather than a statement from Selfridges.
GB News reported that the training programme has now ended. Selfridges had also worked with Care4Calais through its staff volunteering programme, which allows employees to take up to five paid volunteering days each year. Staff working with Care4Calais could help refugees with activities such as English lessons and sport.
According to the report, references to Care4Calais were removed from the Selfridges website after the company was approached for comment.
Selfridges said its main long-term charity partnerships are with Oxfam, Centrepoint and The King’s Trust. The company said these partnerships support issues including humanitarian crises, homelessness, youth employment and social mobility. It also said employees can use up to five volunteering days each year to support causes they personally care about.
Care4Calais has previously rejected accusations that it helps or encourages illegal migration. In evidence to MPs in 2023, the charity said it does not help refugees in Calais or northern France travel to the UK and does not encourage them to make the journey. It says its work focuses on humanitarian aid and campaigning for safe routes for people who want to seek asylum in Britain.
