COSMETICS brand Lush is in talks about welcoming Ukrainian refugees to the UK as it gears up to hire hundreds of staff.

The Poole-based global retailer says it will consider refugees for any role in the company.

It has vacancies in a host of roles and will be looking for 500-600 workers for its Poole factories when Christmas production begins in May or June.

The company says it would also welcome the chance to support refugees seeking work with other employers in the UK.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Lush has a history of welcoming refugees and migrants to our workforce. Our recruiters are meeting with the Refugee Council next week, where we plan to learn more specifically about what is helpful for us to put in place as an employer, and share what potential opportunities there are across the business.

“We are happy to consider refugees for any role, even those we would usually advertise for internal candidates only, and can work with the council to address roles on a case by case basis to set people up for success.

“The recruitment team plans to support those going through an interview process as much as possible, paying close attention to how roles are advertised and making it quicker, more accessible and will support travel and relocations where we can.

“Regardless of whether people join us or not, we'd welcome the opportunity to support those transitioning to working in the UK- we can offer career coaching, interview skills and CV building for candidates that would like that.

“We have various different sectors that compliment many types of skills. Growth areas for us right now and generally are: web developers; commerce – SEO (search engine optimisation), analysts, CRM (customer relationship management), designers, forecasting; IT & AV support; spa therapists; hairdressers; barbers; warehouse assistants; and of course retail assistants.

“In manufacturing (based in Poole), come May/June we will be looking for approximately 500 - 600 staff for the start of our Christmas season. The roles would be production roles, a mix of full and part time – making or packing our fresh handmade cosmetics.”

There are 15 Lush stores in Ukraine and 48 in Russia, all 65 per cent owned by a Russian citizen who has built the business over 20 years, Lush says.

The company suspended supply to the Russian licensee and stopped online sales in the country.

The Ukraine stores are closed and the business is offering support to staff there.