Ukrainian women fear childcare issues will affect their ability to work in UK

Victoria Shcherbyna, who is waiting in Ukraine with her daughter Sofia, eight, for their UK visas, is increasingly concerned about childcare costs and hours in London. Photograph: Nadia Karnaukh

Childcare issues and inflexible working hours are preventing Ukrainian women from getting jobs as they attempt to rebuild their lives in Britain. Ukrainian refugees told the Observer they were shocked to discover the cost and inaccessibility of childcare and after-school provision and that they were struggling to navigate the system.

For many, the problem is exacerbated by language issues – meaning they cannot access better-paid jobs, even if they are highly qualified.