Government guidance

The Government has confirmed that Ukrainian refugees are able to work in the UK for up to 3 years. Our Business Support and Development team is asking local businesses to get in touch with colleagues at the Job Centre Plus (JCP) if they are able to offer job opportunities to new arrivals from Ukraine. JCP will coordinate offers and match them to emerging needs as people start to settle in the district. Please contact the JCP team if you, your family or friends are aware of any suitable local vacancies and they will add them to their list.

The Government has also provided guidance for businesses offering work to people coming from Ukraine. Frequently asked questions are also available via the webpage.

If you are offering employment opportunities, the Government asks that you complete the vacancy information questionnaire, so they can understand more about your offer. After you have returned the questionnaire to offerwork@homeoffice.gov.uk, your organisation will be contacted by the National Employer and Partnership Team in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) within 5 working days, to discuss the roles available.

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

Information and support on recognition of professional qualifications

Ukrainian people who hold professional qualifications may need them to be recognised in the UK, if they work in a regulated profession. The UK Centre for Professional Qualifications provides a free service which explains whether a profession is regulated and any entry requirements. Call 0871 226 2850, or email offerwork@homeoffice.gov.uk

Is your business affected by the crisis?

You may have other questions about the effect of the war in Ukraine on your business – from rising fuel costs, or links to Russia in your supply chain, to cybersecurity.

• The Government has updated its guidance for businesses who have trading arrangements with Ukraine or Russia and is advising firms to contact its Export Support Service.
• The Government is advising businesses to review cyber security arrangements in light of the increased risk of cyber attacks.

The Chambers of Commerce have published helpful advice for businesses and employees who may be affected by events in Ukraine.

Please email the team with any specific queries or take a look at our Business Support web pages, where you can also sign up to our monthly Business Support e-newsletter for the latest guidance and support.  

Employment support

The Government has confirmed that Ukrainian guests are eligible to work in the UK for up to 3 years. The Job Centre Plus (JCP) is working to match new arrivals from Ukraine who want to work with offers of employment in the local area. Both the Department for Work and Pensions and Citizens Advice can help with completing forms for processes such as setting up a bank account, understanding entitlements to benefits, and so on. The Department for Work and Pensions has also appointed 'vulnerable coaches' to support applicants.

If guests have questions around seeking a job, please contact the JCP team, who will be able to help advise on matters such as setting up a national insurance number, obtaining proof of right to work and signing up for Universal Credit. They can assist with these elements and can have translation services on standby.

The Odessa Project, set up by the owner of the Willow Tree pub in Bourn, has been established to help Ukrainian guests find employment in the catering industry locally and nationwide. 

Cambridge4Ukraine has also set up a small sub-group to offer support in finding work to people arriving from Ukraine. For further information please email jobs.help@cambridge4ukraine.uk.

Cambridge Online Job Skills Club

Cambridge Online aims to help Ukrainian refugees learn new skills and complete all the necessary stages to prepare to apply for employment in the UK at their Job Skills. If your guests would like more information or to book a place, then please ask them to email help@cambridgeonline.org.uk or call 01223 300407.

Other Providers

STEP Ukraine - World Jewish Relief offers an intensive, virtual 12-week English language and employment programme for Ukrainians in the UK. 

The InPower Project by Clear Voice funds refugees to undertake community interpreting qualifications and enter the UK workforce, once they are legally allowed to work.