Ukrainians in Bucks talk about job challenges

Many Ukrainians arriving to the UK since the devastating war began have tried to keep busy by making connections in their communities, by studying, attending courses, learning English and working.

The Ukrainian translator Alex, who has a marketing background, and doctor and mother Ludmila living in the Chesham area, expressed frustration about barriers to working in their area of expertise.

Ludmila said she fully understands why there are strict requirements for doctors to work in the country, but she hopes to put her skills into good use.

Ukrainian doctor Ludmila with her teenage daughter (Image: Ludmila)

Alex explained: “The challenge is our professional life and professional future in the United Kingdom." 

For Alex it wasn't about just joining the job market, which she has already done since "the second month of being here and paying taxes", but also finding a job that matches her skillset. 

Many Ukrainians arriving to the UK don't have high enough English skills but they have good level of education, such as in software development and education, she said. 

Local friends told Alex that Ukrainians on Universal Credit can ask for additional professional courses, which are close to the education and experience they already have.

However, Alex, who has a hospitality job unrelated to her work background in Amersham, finds it difficult to access courses in marketing and project management because in the eyes of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) she’s already employed.

Alex's situation is known as underemployment - when a person is employed at less than a full-time job or in a role unconnected to their training or economic needs. 

So that Ludmila can join the British work force as a doctor, she needs to have her medical qualification evaluated against the British medical training, which will take three years, she said.

Currently, her visa allows her a three-year stay in the UK. 

Ludmila dedicates all her free time to study English to get it to the required professional level, which is likely to take at least one year, she explained.

Then she will need three years of “local education” to match her Ukrainian training to begin working as nurse.

Alex said: “Right now we’re all faced with the challenge how can we Ukrainians join the same professional field in the United Kingdom that we have experience in Ukraine.

“Of course, we understand that we need to start from the level zero, from the very first stage.”

Sometimes Ukrainians or Jobcentres didn’t always understand what the requirements for accessing training and work support were, Alex said.

A spokesperson for Department of Work and Pensions said: “Employment is an important part of integration and our work coaches have been providing direct, tailored support to Ukrainian resettlers who are ready to start looking for work. This includes English for Speakers of other Languages training through the Sector-Based Workplace Academy Programme, access to employment fairs, CV writing and help securing work experience.

READ MORE: Buckinghamshire College Group to build new High Wycombe campus

Ukrainian resettlers could also get support from DWP's Refugee Leads Network linking Jobcentres and organisations working with refugees to find employment, the spokesperson said.

What job support is available to Ukrainians?

Support for Ukrainian jobseekers at jobcentres includes personalised guidance from Jobcentre Plus work coaches, the DWP said. 

Other support includes:

• Benefits and employment support for resettlers at the point of a successful claim
• Wrap around support through Jobcentre Place Based Partnerships, including signposting and access to charities and mental health providers
• Work coach support to identify suitable employment, support with training through the Sector-Based Workplace Academy Programme, etc, including English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) training, as well as support through Plan for Jobs
• Mobilisation of Advanced Customer Support Senior Leaders and Visiting Officers where complex needs are identified 

• DWP is also working with stakeholders to identify employment opportunities for those who are ready to work and are running employment fairs
• Help with skills training, CV writing and help securing work experience
• Ukrainian evacuees will also have access to our Refugee Leads Network, which links Jobcentres and organisations working with refugees and those on resettlement programmes, to help them integrate and find employment in local areas.