Ukraine and Ukrainians are not mentioned so often in the UK news anymore. Public interest in helping refugees is waning. British employers are no longer so friendly, and the country’s labor market is not going through the best of times. That is why it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a job in the UK.
According to the results research of the British Office for National Statistics, about 58% of Ukrainians with protection status working in Great Britain found work in a different sector in which they were employed in the Motherland. Ukrainians often have to work in places with lower qualifications and low pay rates.
What will prevent you from finding a job?
The general situation on the UK labor market is currently quite pessimistic. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, the highest since last summer. This factor increases the competition for jobs among the British themselves, and migrants find themselves in an even less favorable position. The number of vacancies on the market is also decreasing. Currently, there are about 900,000 job offers in the country. This is the lowest figure in the last three years.
In addition, the visas of some Ukrainians are expiring. In particular, we are talking about those who came to Great Britain under the family reunification program. Employers are less willing to extend contracts or hire new workers whose visas are about to expire.
Companies that care about their image hire Ukrainians
However, those who know English well and have already managed to confirm their qualifications find employment much easier. In addition, there are companies that are favorable to hiring Ukrainians.
A study by the Economist Impact group found that signing labor contracts with refugees can boost brand reputation among consumers. And a study conducted by the Institute of Fiscal Policy of Great Britain in partnership with Tent showed that the presence of refugee workers in the company reduces the level of staff outflow. People with the status of temporary protection are 7 – 15% (depending on the sector) less likely to change their place of work.
What in other countries?
It is more difficult to find a job for Ukrainians in the Baltic states as well. For example, in Estonia, the number of vacancies for refugees in the last two years decreased almost three times.
