Flemish MP urges more measures for Ukrainian refugee employment
Of the 14,779 Ukrainian refugees registered with the Flemish public employment service VDAB, 27 per cent are working, regional minister for Economy and Employment Jo Brouns (CD&V, Christian Democrats) announced on Monday. Flemish MP Maaike De Vreese, who requested the figures, insists the figure is too low and wants additional measures to be taken.
In recent months, there has been a steady increase in the number of Ukrainians with work experience, De Vreese said. Of the Ukrainians registered with the VDAB, 45 per cent (6,599) have already worked. But the number who are still working remains low at 27 per cent (4,045), she says. Statistics show that there were 22,144 Ukrainians of working age in Flanders at the end of September.
"I call on Minister Brouns to take additional measures as a matter of urgency. All Ukrainians must be registered with the VDAB. The VDAB, but also our local governments (...) must take action to help these people find a job," says De Vreese. Mandatory registration with the VDAB was introduced last year, but there is no deadline and no sanctions for those who fail to register.
Living wage
According to De Vreese, too many Ukrainians still draw an equivalent living wage. "The low employment rates are a direct consequence of the federal government's decision to immediately entitle Ukrainian refugees to a living wage. The government has chosen to give temporarily displaced people immediate full access to our social security system."
"We have said time and time again that this is not a good idea. Give people a bed, a bath, bread and counselling. Unfortunately, our bill was rejected in the federal parliament (where N-VA is part of the opposition, ed.).
#FlandersNewsService | Flemish minister of Employment © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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