More Ukrainian refugees who fled to the Netherlands after the Russian invasion have a job but most work part time or on temporary contracts, according to research by national statistics agency CBS.

By May, half the 68,000 Ukrainians in the 15 to 65 age group were working, the CBS said. Last November, the figure was 44%. Unlike refugees from other countries, Ukrainians were able to work without a permit as soon as they arrived.

Most are working in the business service sector – often through staffing agencies – and only 18% are working full time. According to preliminary research by hbo college InHolland, the majority have jobs in factories, cleaning, the hospitality industry and picking fruit and veg.

Some two-thirds of the Ukrainians who have come to the Netherlands have a degree or college certificate, but most are doing low-skilled, low paid jobs and just one third are happy with what they are doing, InHolland said.

Language is a major issue, with only 3% saying they speak good Dutch. Other problems facing Ukrainians to find a job that matches their skills are the lack of affordable language courses and childcare facilities.

Are you a Ukrainian national who has come to the Netherlands in the past year? We’d like to hear from you for an article. Please email editor@dutchnews.nl.