The Government has published guidance for businesses considering making offers of employment to people coming to the UK from Ukraine, as the country continues to be embroiled in war.

Watford organisations offering employment opportunities should complete a vacancy information questionnaire. They will then be contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) within five working days to discuss available roles.

The opportunities identified will then be shared across the DWP Jobcentre Plus network and with the Refugee Employment Network (REN), which is a charity that works with organisations across the UK to support refugees into work.

Employers should also consider whether any Ukrainian professional qualifications may need to be recognised in the UK, if they will be working in a regulated profession. The UK Centre for Professional Qualifications is providing a free service which can be used to confirm whether a particular qualification is recognised in the UK.

  • Employment opportunities from all sectors and locations are welcomed.
  • People arriving in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme, or the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) will be granted leave to remain in the UK for three years and are permitted to work under either scheme.
  • The Tapping Potential guidelines encourage and support businesses in recruiting and employing refugees. However, the guide pre-dates the Ukraine crises and the ‘right to work’ section may not apply.
  • Employers must ensure they understand the rights and status of anyone they offer work to and consult the Government’s guidance or contact ACAS for further information.