The 2023 EURES Report on labour shortages and surpluses has revealed that the European labour market is tightening despite slower economic growth.
According to this report, 84 per cent of occupations were in shortage in one or more countries. Construction and engineering crafts, healthcare, and ICT emerged as the most affected sectors.
Among the occupations facing the most acute shortages, a few stand out heavy truck drivers, nursing professionals (including specialists), doctors, electricians, roofers, waiters, and construction labourers. These shortages are not only widespread but also severe, exerting significant pressures on industries and economies alike.European Labour Authority
The report underscored several factors driving this situation, including changes in the economy’s structure, new labour trends and skill requirements, demographic change and societal developments.
Additionally, factors such as unattractive working conditions and mismatches between job seekers’ preferences and employers’ offerings contribute to the challenge. According to European Labour Authority.
As further noted, about 40 of the identified shortage professions have been categorised as severely impacted by the shortage of available workers.
Overall, the most affected occupations across Europe that are facing a lack of workers include:
- Welders and flame cutters
- Plumbers, pipefitters
- Heavy truck drivers
- Specialist doctors
- Motor mechanics
- Nursing professionals
- Waiters
- Metal, machine setters
- Floor layers, tile settlers
- Heavy truck drivers
- Roofers
- Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics
- Nursing professionals
- Construction labourers
Shortages in Construction Remain Persistent in EU
The EURES report further noted that the construction sector faces labour shortages constantly. The ageing population, the sector’s low employment attractiveness, and skills mismatch were identified as some of the factors that led to this situation.
The widespread use of subcontractors, self-employed individuals, and temporary labour to meet production demand contributes to defining a market where work in the sector requires individuals to regularly change contracts, which increases precariousness. This may inhibit individuals to enter and remain in the sector.European Labour Authority
The report suggests that increasing the representation of underrepresented groups, especially women, would likely help alleviate the shortages.
Construction is considered the EU’s largest industrial employer, with nearly 13 million workers in three million companies across Europe.
Highly Qualified Workers in Surplus Occupations
While skills mismatch emerged among contributing factors to the shortage of professions, on the other hand, several employees in surplus jobs were highly skilled.
Many workers in surplus occupations were highly qualified, showing that a high level of education does not automatically correspond to good employment opportunities.European Labour Authority
Among other things, the report highlighted that 60 per cent of employees in surplus jobs in the EU in 2022 were women. Whereas in the case of shortage occupations, women made up only 27 per cent of the total. According to the report, this situation creates a “less favourable” labour market for women compared to men.
