Borys Zakharchenko, a researcher at Newcastle University, is one of thousands of displaced Ukrainians who have benefited from a government-backed employment programme that has reportedly delivered a £31.5 million boost to the UK economy. Zakharchenko fled Ukraine with his wife and young daughter after the Russian invasion in February 2022, eventually settling in the UK.
From Kyiv to Newcastle: A Journey of Resilience
Zakharchenko, who previously worked as a researcher in synthetic chemistry at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, initially moved to Greece in spring 2022 before relocating to Birmingham, UK. He joined the Specialist Training and Employment Programme (STEP), a government-backed initiative supporting Ukrainians in securing long-term employment. With STEP's help, he secured a full-time position as a Research PhD Associate in Artificial Photosynthesis at Newcastle University.
Now living in Newcastle and celebrating the birth of his second child, Zakharchenko said: "My family and I are deeply grateful for everything STEP Ukraine has done for us. Programmes like this provide much more than practical support—they give people hope."
£31.5 Million Economic Impact
An independent evaluation commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) found that STEP Ukraine generated £31.5 million in total societal benefits, with a net societal benefit of £22.9 million. The evaluation assessed the first phase of the programme from August 2023 to August 2024 and revealed that participants were 8% more likely to be in employment than non-participants within seven months of completing the programme. After 20 months, participants were 7% more likely to be employed, with earnings 11% higher than before they joined. English language scores improved by nearly 30% by the end of the programme. A 2025 survey found that 65% of first-round participants were employed a year after completing the programme.
The programme generated £17.5 million in direct benefits to the UK Exchequer, including £8.9 million in net savings through increased tax revenues and reduced benefit payments.
Personal Journey: From War to New Beginnings
Zakharchenko originally settled in Birmingham in January 2024 and joined STEP to improve his employment prospects and learn English. After weeks of intensive English classes and one-to-one support from his Employment Advisor, he secured the position at Newcastle University.
Reflecting on his experience, he said: "When the Russian full-scale invasion began in February 2022, everything changed overnight. Like millions of Ukrainians, I was shocked and worried about the safety of my family and friends." Despite the war, he continued scientific work in Kyiv, facing constant missile attacks and power cuts. After a missile attack damaged his apartment in spring 2023, his family evacuated to Greece. With support from the CARA Researchers at Risk programme and the University of Birmingham, they moved to the UK.
Zakharchenko added: "Arriving in the UK was emotional. I was very grateful for the warm welcome, but it was also difficult because I had left my home, colleagues, and many loved ones behind. One of my biggest challenges was my English."
STEP Ukraine: A Lifeline for Refugees
World Jewish Relief first launched STEP in response to the Syrian refugee crisis and has since supported thousands of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Janice Lopatkin MBE, UK Programme Director at World Jewish Relief, said: "This evaluation shows that employment programmes for displaced persons and refugees, when done right, can generate positive outcomes not only for refugees, but for all of society."
Building on the success of STEP Ukraine, World Jewish Relief, with the British Council, is currently running a follow-up programme with MHCLG for Ukrainians and Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders.
