Staff shortages in Ukraine: which sector is facing the greatest lack of workers?

The reduction of the workforce due to military actions, population migration, and mobilization have become the primary causes of labor shortages in Ukraine. The State Employment Center has identified the sectors experiencing the most significant shortage of workers, reports "Radio Liberty".

In first place is the education sector. In 2024, the industry needed approximately 25,000 people.

Second in terms of labor shortages is the manufacturing industry, with a deficit of nine thousand vacancies.

Third is the accommodation and food service sector, which required three thousand specialists.

The Employment Center noted that economic changes have exacerbated structural unemployment—there is a critical shortage of specialists in many professions, yet potential candidates lack the necessary skills.

"Moreover, due to the conscription of men into military service, filling positions traditionally held by men has become more challenging. Before the war, women made up 55% of the unemployed, but today their share has increased to 81%," said Stanislav Pavlenko, Deputy Director of the State Employment Center.

As of January 2025, the labor shortage in the education sector remained acute—there was a lack of 1,500 workers, including 800 in preschool institutions.

As of February 21, 2025, there were 224,000 job offers posted on the "Unified Job Portal." The average salary level for vacancies on this platform is 23,000 hryvnias.

It is worth noting that on January 26, economist Oleg Pendzin stated that Ukraine has two million unemployed, even though there is a shortage of workers in several sectors.

From January 1, 2025, teachers will receive an additional thousand hryvnias (after taxation). From September 1, 2025, the amount of the supplement will increase to two thousand hryvnias.