Already denied welfare benefits, many asylum seekers are now expected to survive on vouchers that amount to around 70-80% of income support levels offered to UK citizens.

The vouchers not only restrict where asylum seekers can shop, but a "no change" clause also bans retailers from giving any change when the vouchers are used to buy goods - instead, it goes straight into their tills.

Sodexho - the company contracted to manage the voucher scheme - have been trying to convince supermarkets to accept vouchers by telling them: "Don't miss this revenue-making opportunity. Vouchers will be the beneficiaries' only method of buying essential living products. No change given, but you receive the full value of the voucher."

Oxfam and the Refugee Council have started a campaign "Say no to no Change" to lobby supermarkets to at least give asylum seekers change when using vouchers. Campaign cards to be handed in at supermarkets are available from Oxfam.

However, and in addition, action should be taken to oppose the vouchers scheme as such.

- Parts of this texts were taken from the Oxfam/Refugee Council leaflet "Welcome to Britain" -

Disclaimer: The writer of this article is not from, or in any way related to, Oxfam.