The Polish Economic Institute (PIE) asked Polish entrepreneurs about plans related to the employment of war migrants from Ukraine. Readiness to employ Ukrainians was expressed by 31% of the total number of surveyed companies. The largest group was represented by large and medium-sized companies (40%), the least – micro-enterprises (23%). The industries that Ukrainians will find it easiest to find a job include industrial production, construction and services. According to PIE estimates, over 250,000 Ukrainians can find a job in Poland.

Jobs for war migrants from Ukraine will be offered particularly in the sectors of industrial production (40%), construction (36%) and services (31%).

It will be more difficult for women to work in the construction industry, but it seems possible in the manufacturing sector. The research of the Polish Economic Institute shows that the employment of migrants is primarily planned by producers of food, beverages, textiles, electronics and furniture. Employment of refugees is also planned by nearly every third service company. “Migrants can find a job in the hotel and catering sector, individual service activities (e.g. hairdressers, beauticians), as well as in companies providing IT services”, said Katarzyna Dębkowska, head of the PIE economic foresight team.

The PIE survey shows that only 16% of commercial companies are considering employing migrants from Ukraine and they include more often wholesale than retail companies.

“The smaller readiness of the trade sector to employ foreigners can be explained by the larger demand in this sector for higher consultancy competences. In many companies, personal contact with the customer is vital, and this requires a good knowledge of the assortment offer and the Polish language. The language barrier may be a great obstacle in employing Ukrainians with direct customer service,” explains Katarzyna Dębkowska.

Only every 20th company indicates the exclusive employment of Polish workers. 12% of enterprises decided that the professional profile of migrants did not match their recruitment plans, which was indicated in particular by service companies (17%).

Adrian Andrzejewski order