This briefing paper endeavours to highlight the challenges facing refugees and asylum seekers in the United Kingdom in accessing education, training and employment. It does not claim to cover all the issues but is intended as a starting point for providers of adult learning and/or advice. It initially sets out the facts about definitions and differences in immigration status of refugees and asylum seekers, followed by some specific concerns. Then it explores the challenges of learning and education (including status and fee information for students), plus the barriers to work. Finally the paper offers some recommendations for the future and suggests where to obtain further information.