Without language skills or experience: how Ukrainian refugees are entering the EU job market and what their earnings look like.

Ukrainians in Europe: They don’t make a difference, but…

Experts state that considering the total population of the EU exceeds 500 million people, four to five million Ukrainian refugees, nearly half of whom are children and the elderly, do not significantly impact the local labor market. Moreover, not all of those able to work are actually employed.

According to data from the EWL Migration Platform, for instance, about 62% of Ukrainian refugees are employed in Lithuania. However, the situation is considerably worse in most European countries.

"In Germany, only 22% are officially employed, while around 20% work unofficially," said Vasily Voskoboynik, head of the All-Ukrainian Association of Companies for International Employment.

However, the expert adds that in certain segments, the influence of Ukrainian workers is still quite significant.

Median Salaries in Some Sectors in Germany*

*According to DW data (euros per month, gross)

"Considering the ratio of Ukrainians to locals, I wouldn’t say that Ukrainians have taken over the Estonian labor market," agrees recruiter Elena Antoniv from the employment company Hendersons OÜ (Estonia). "When it comes to factories, I believe no more than 10-15% of workers are Ukrainians. Physical strength is needed at all enterprises, so men can easily find work on assembly lines or as laborers. According to statistics, out of every 100 unemployed Ukrainians in Estonia receiving benefits, 99 are women, and only 1 is a man."

Ukrainian women, especially those with small children and of pre-retirement age, often find jobs in catering companies.

Ukrainian women, particularly those with small children and nearing retirement age, most frequently secure positions in catering companies. They can find jobs with shifts lasting 6 hours, starting at 6:30, 7:00, or 7:30 AM. This schedule is suitable for mothers since they are free by 2:00 PM, allowing them to care for their children, and many manage to take on cleaning jobs as well. Women over 50 appreciate this because the work, compared to factory jobs, is not too strenuous, the working hours are short, and the company pays the minimum wage necessary for health insurance. Additionally, there is free food and the option to purchase meals at cost price.

Beauty Industry: Ukrainian Women No Longer Undercut Prices

However, there are areas where Ukrainian women have nearly "taken over" the local market, and this isn’t cleaning services.

Interestingly, contrary to stereotypes, Ukrainian women rarely undercut prices in the beauty sector. Professionals know their worth and are not willing to accept lower pay than locals. Newcomers who have just started their own businesses and attempt to attract clients with low prices have little success. People understand that a low price comes at a risk, as they are essentially learning on the job, so only a few agree to this.

"When I arrived in the Czech Republic in the spring of 2022, I also tried to attract clients with low prices," says manicurist Marina from Kyiv. "The salon wouldn’t hire me without knowledge of the language and Czech certificates, so I drove around and did manicures at clients' homes for 25% less than in the salon. But I quickly realized it wasn’t profitable. First, I had to carry a lot of equipment — tools, lamps, polishes, and so on. Second, there were high fuel costs. Third, I felt that the lower my price, the less I was valued as a specialist, and I am indeed a top-notch expert. So, after a few months, I raised my prices, and then my colleague from Odesa and I opened our own business."

Another sector where Ukrainians can outperform locals is the food industry. In local Facebook groups in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Germany, numerous ads are posted where Ukrainians offer ready-made daily meals, frozen foods, baked goods, and custom cakes. However, this is often informal employment, but many Ukrainians are starting their own businesses in the food sector — from custom orders to their own cafes and patisseries.

Men in the EU: Dominating Construction

As for men, they have nearly displaced locals from taxi services and delivery jobs in Estonia. To get a job with Bolt, for example, it’s enough to open a business account at a bank: it’s quick and easy. Many Ukrainian men also work in construction.

"After the onset of the full-scale war, some of those who were working here on construction visas quickly adapted and after being granted temporary protection, opened their OÜ (analogous to a Ukrainian LLC)," says Elena Antoniv. "They then hired fellow countrymen, successfully win tenders, and earn good money. They feel great from spring to autumn, and in winter, when construction halts, they work in factories for 3-4 months. Similarly, some have opened OÜs focused on forest cleaning: the work is hard but profitable."

Many Ukrainians with construction specialties work in the renovation of apartments and houses.

It should be noted that the construction sector is in need of workers across Europe. For example, most job vacancies in the group "Jobs in Germany" are in construction. However, the greatest labor shortages are observed in countries with relatively low salaries. In Poland, for instance, there are fewer builders since the onset of the full-scale war because Ukrainians have gained the opportunity to move to Germany, the UK, the USA, and other countries where salaries are significantly higher. "We need builders for work. Rebar workers, bricklayers, formwork workers, assistants. Private house construction, Warsaw and surrounding areas. Official employment," — dozens of similar ads are published on Facebook.