Research
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Key findings
- Uncertainty about the opportunity to remain long-term in the UK is an important impediment to the employment, housing, and well-being of all Ukrainian refugees in the UK, but these challenges are particularly severe for those with disabilities.
- UK rehabilitation, specialist care, mobility aids and disability-inclusive services are unavailable or unsafe in Ukraine: “ … when Russia came, we did not use state services at all… ” (Antonina, on behalf of a disabled child with cerebral palsy, wheelchair user)
- Despite a strong motivation to work, inappropriate JobCentre referrals and delays in receiving clinical assessments and rehabilitation led many unable to engage in employment: “I’m visually impaired... the job centre... sent me to be a bus driver. ” (Victoria)
- Depression, anxiety and social isolation were common in this group. This reduced work-readiness, especially for those in rural areas or without peer/community networks: “I still have depression... this is one of the reasons why I can't find a job now. I just pass out for a few days... ” (Mykola, connective tissue dysplasia)
- Some with disabilities require financial support. However complex English-only forms and inconsistent professional advice led many eligible participants to abandon applications: “ …it was difficult for me here to organise it at first with the language barrier... with the lack of support for special children with disabilities. ” (Valeriia, parent of a child with vision impairment)
- Moves between temporary accommodations and a lack of accessible housing reduced stability and interrupted care: “nothing even goes here except taxis... it’s a lot of money... if I need to go to the neurologist I need the bus... a healthy person can get there in 5-6 minutes, it takes me half an hour. ” (Olga, MS)
Recommendations
Settlement for disabled Ukrainian war refugees
Under the current humanitarian Ukraine visa schemes, a small, clearly defined group of disabled Ukrainian refugees relies on UK-based rehabilitation, specialist care, mobility aids, and adapted housing, which are unavailable or unsafe in Ukraine. This temporary status disrupts employment, healthcare, and housing.
Longer grants of leave would enable employment, reduce reliance on benefits, and improve continuity of care and housing.
Employment
JobCentre Plus should recognise clinical limitations and healthcare and rehabilitation needs.
Supporting employment through benefits
Accessible benefits are necessary so disabled refugees can engage in work where possible, and remain in employment when other structural barriers limit this.
Mobility and employment
Housing allocations should reflect functional and employment needs, with rural placements accompanied by access to affordable transport.
Psychosocial support
Trauma-informed, culturally competent support would increase rates of employment for disabled Ukrainian refugees, especially in rural areas where isolation is more prevalent.
Our work
- We conducted the only UK study focused specifically on disabled Ukrainian refugees.
- We questioned 45 Ukrainian refugees with physical and sensory disabilities. Research questions included the journey to the UK, subsequent housing, work, education, welfare, healthcare, social relations, and mental health.
Stability and Settlement for Disabled Ukrainian Refugees
Robin Goodwin, Tarandeep Kang, Olena Orlova, University of Warwick