Ukrainians have the right to work in Europe - but how difficult is it to find a job?

Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s war in their country have the right to live and work in the EU for up to three years.

This episode of Real Economy takes a look at the difficulties Ukrainians may face trying to find a job and asks: what does this influx of refugees mean for Europe’s workforce and economy? 

Real Economy travels to Austria to hear the stories of two Ukrainian women, recently arrived with their children. Plus we ask the head of Europe's Public Employment Services Network, Johannes Kopf, what the EU is doing to help Ukrainians find work.

Over 40,000 Ukrainian refugees are staying in Austria with their children. A temporary residence permit allows them to live and work in the country.

Natalia has settled in the Carinthia region in the south of the country, known for its mountains and lakes. Back in Ukraine, she was a beautician. When she arrived at a local refugee centre, hotel managers offered her accommodation and a job.

"I really like the work here," she says. "We signed a contract until September, then I will look at how the situation develops in Ukraine."

The tourism industry in Austria is booming and since 2019 the number of job vacancies in the hospitality sector has doubled, with many employers unable to find staff. 

For manager Alexandra Tiefenbacher, offering available rooms and vacant positions to Ukrainian refugees for the summer season was an obvious choice.

"There are now around 60 to 70 living here," she says. "And 29 of them work for us in various departments: the kitchen, the restaurant, in housekeeping, building services, childcare. It's going pretty well. Of course there's a language barrier, but we can handle it."

Natalia speaks a little English, which enables her to communicate with colleagues. But