The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 forced millions of Ukrainians to flee their homeland, seeking refuge in various parts of the world, including the UK. As we approach the third anniversary of the war, many Ukrainian refugees are still struggling to find meaningful employment in the UK despite their high qualifications and professional experience.
As a Ukrainian refugee myself, I understand this situation from the inside, and the ongoing challenges these individuals face in adjusting to the UK job market and society.
Highly qualified but underemployed
Many Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK possess high levels of education and qualifications. Engineers, doctors, IT professionals, teachers and skilled tradespeople have left behind successful careers. Unfortunately, despite their professional backgrounds, they often find it difficult to secure equivalent jobs in the UK. But why?
One of the significant barriers is the absence of local experience, which often leads to bias among employers. Many fear that these individuals might not perform as well as local candidates due to differences in education and training. Although Ukrainian qualifications are highly valued back home, they are not always recognised in the UK, leaving many refugees in precarious positions, taking on roles far below their skill level to survive.
The language barrier
The most significant challenge that nearly all Ukrainian refugees face is the language barrier. English proficiency is a prerequisite for most jobs in the UK, but many refugees arrive with limited language skills. Even highly qualified individuals struggle with technical vocabulary, leading to issues during interviews and in job applications.
While language classes are available, mastering a new language takes time – something many refugees don’t have as they need immediate employment to support their families. This creates a difficult cycle: without strong English skills, they can’t get better jobs, but working in low-paying roles doesn’t leave enough time to improve their language proficiency.
Knowing English while in Ukraine is one thing, but using English in the UK is a completely different experience due to the variety of dialects and real-world nuances. Friends and family back in Ukraine often say, “Oh, you probably speak English fluently by now, it’s been more than two years!” I wish it were that simple!
Many refugees don’t get the chance to practise English with native speakers often enough, as some continue to work remotely for Ukrainian companies, hoping to retain their jobs until the war ends. But it’s incredibly difficult to survive in the UK on a Ukrainian salary.
Underemployment in low-skilled roles
Many Ukrainian refugees, despite their qualifications, end up working in low-skilled jobs, primarily cleaning. As an employment advisor, I’ve had clients who – back in Ukraine – were biologists, accountants, entrepreneurs and even nurses, all of whom are now working in cleaning roles. It breaks my heart to see such talent underutilised. While some may see this as filling gaps in the workforce post-Brexit, it’s painful to watch highly skilled professionals struggle in roles far beneath their abilities.
Visa limitations
Another significant challenge that many Ukrainian refugees face is the limitation of their visas. Ukrainian Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) have restrictions on the length of time Ukrainian guests can remain in the country, and many employers are reluctant to hire workers whom they know may only be employed for a limited time due to visa restrictions. This adds another layer of difficulty for Ukrainians. Employers tend to favour applicants who can stay in the UK long-term, which leads many Ukrainians to face discrimination simply because of their visa status.
Real-life case studies
I’ve heard countless stories that highlight these challenges. One client, for example, was a qualified doctor for over 10 years in Ukraine but now works as a swimming teacher in the UK. Despite her extensive experience, the lengthy and complicated requalification process has deterred her from returning to her profession. Instead, she dedicates her free time to fundraising for the Ukrainian military.
Another client was an accountant in Ukraine but now works in a cleaning job because she lacks the specific accreditation required to continue her career here. Many Ukrainians are retraining and enrolling in courses to get the necessary qualifications, but it’s disheartening to see so much talent go underutilised due to systemic barriers.
Living in limbo
This situation creates a sense of limbo for many Ukrainian refugees. They are building lives in the UK while remaining deeply connected to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The lack of stability and uncertainty about the future creates emotional and psychological strain, as they remain unsure of what tomorrow holds.
Many Ukrainians understand that it’s almost impossible to compete with local professionals, making the situation harder and causing long-lasting imposter syndrome. This leaves them feeling underqualified and inadequate. Ukrainians send dozens of job applications daily, and it becomes even more disheartening when they don’t hear anything back.
Government and community support
The UK government and British public have shown tremendous support, dedicating significant resources to helping Ukrainians integrate into life in the UK. Financial aid has been crucial in providing housing, education and employment support. However, integration is a complex process that requires more than just funding – it takes time and sustained effort.
To further encourage the employment of Ukrainians, the government could consider additional measures, such as offering subsidies or tax incentives to businesses that hire Ukrainian workers. This would not only benefit the individuals but also strengthen the UK workforce by making use of Ukrainians’ skills and expertise.
Resilience and determination
Despite the challenges, Ukrainian refugees display remarkable resilience. They are eager to contribute to their new communities, seeking ways to improve their language skills and adapt to the UK job market. Their determination is evident in their willingness to start over, often taking on lower-skilled jobs with the hope of working their way up.
Ukrainians don’t focus on the ‘work-life balance’ that is prioritised in the UK. They understand that they need to perform twice or even three times better to get the desirable role.
As we reflect on the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, it’s important to acknowledge not just the ongoing war but also the personal battles that Ukrainian refugees face daily in the UK. While they have shown remarkable strength, much remains to be done to ensure their full integration into society and the job market. By addressing the barriers, they face – language, qualifications and cultural adaptation – we can help them rebuild their lives and careers, with everyone benefitting in the process.
Mariia Makarova, employment advisor.
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