Despite the shortage of labor in Germany, only 21% of the 1.1 million Ukrainian refugees are employed

Currently, 1.1 million Ukrainian military refugees reside in Germany, but only every fifth one is employed. The rest rely on benefits for sustenance.

This statistic is provided by the German publication Bild.

Meanwhile, as the newspaper reports, there is a shortage of personnel in almost all sectors of German industry. Of the 716,000 Ukrainian refugees of working age – aged 15 to 65 – only 21%, or 113,000 Ukrainians, have taxable employment, with an additional 36,000 engaged in part-time work.

The newspaper spoke with some refugees to inquire why they are not working.

Margherita (27 years old), who arrived in Germany with her 7-year-old son, stated: “The benefits we receive from the social welfare service are very good, and we feel comfortable in Germany. At some point, I would also like to seek employment.”

Anastasia (31 years old), a mother of a one-year-old son, commented: “Soon I will find a place for him in a daycare, then I can attend a language school. After that, I would like to return to being a pastry chef. My husband stayed in Ukraine – he works there and sends me money whenever he can.”

Yuri (40 years old) from Poltava expressed: “The German employment center only offers me simple, low-paying work. Honestly, it’s not worth it! I lack the motivation for it. Because if I were to work at Amazon or other companies for 8 or 9 euros per hour, I would have to pay for rent, electricity and water myself. Then there would be too little left compared to the 563 euros in benefits I receive without any deductions.”

Vitaly (42 years old) from Kherson stated: “I understand that the opinion in politics and society in Germany has changed and it’s time for me to start working. But first, I need to truly learn German. Combining language courses and work is challenging.”

Veronica (41 years old) from Chernivtsi, living with her 9 and 13-year-old children, shared: “I am looking for a job as a saleswoman, preferably in a supermarket or grocery store, like in Ukraine. Because of the children, I can only work part-time.”

Accountant Svetlana (50 years old) and economist-financier Sergey (53 years old) expressed: “We would like to work in our professions, but we must speak German fluently for that. Another language course is needed for this.”

Elena (43 years old), a kindergarten teacher with 14 years of experience, said: “I would also like to work as a kindergarten teacher in Hanover. I will have to undergo another two-year training course.”