Gaps on the European labour market 2024 continue to increase

The EURES report on European labour 2024 shows that persistent labour shortages, as well as surplus occupations in in European key sectors continue to rise. The seventh edition of this report, which gathers data from across 31 EURES countries, provides crucial insights into the nature of employment trends and needs to tackle shortages and surpluses.

All 31 EURES countries reported shortage occupations nearly in all categories reaching as high as 98%, with Malta, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Italy, and Romania identifying the greatest numbers. Moreover, severe shortages were reported in highly skilled professions such as healthcare, engineering, and IT. Also, facing severe shortages are welders, nursing professionals, cooks, and electricians.

On the surpluses side, nearly all possible occupations listed has been identified as surplus by at least one country. However, a small group of countries reported the highest numbers: Spain, Austria, Latvia, Portugal, and Finland. The trend mainly affects positions such as clerical support workers, as elementary occupations and professionals, specifically in designer-related occupations. As regards gender, women are the greatest share of workers in surplus occupations, facing a higher risk of unemployment.

Focus on transportation and storage sector

This year’s report takes a closer look on the transportation and storage sector in the EU. This sector faces substantially lack of drivers and mobile plant operators. These shortages have been worsened by several factors, including unappealing working conditions, demographic change, and gaps between available skills and job requirements.

Additionally, the sector structural issues driven by automation, ageing population, and working conditions, continue to impact labour mobility and availability of workers.

Addressing labour trends

As a result of this context, report experts have gathered a few recommendations to tackle the challenges induced by labour shortages and surpluses. The report underscores the need for targeted reskilling efforts to equip workers with the competencies required for the green and digital transitions.

One of the key recommendations includes expanding vocational training and apprenticeships to align educational curricula with industry needs. Furthermore, the report advocates for enhanced career pathways to support transitions from surplus to high-demand occupations, particularly in construction and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, improving working conditions in labour-intensive sectors and increasing participation in STEM fields—especially among women—are identified as crucial steps in mitigating workforce shortages.

European policymakers are urged to adopt a multifaceted approach that combines investment in education, skill development, and measures to facilitate cross-border mobility. Given the rapid evolution of job markets, stakeholders must act proactively to address structural gaps and ensure a longer-term economic resilience.

Improved report methodology

Developed with contributions from EURES National Coordination Offices, experts, policymakers, and employers, this year’s edition brings new features to the analysis, including methods for quantification and qualification of labour market imbalances, as well as a refined methodology for analysing characteristics of workers in shortage and surplus occupations, and an in-depth focus on the transportation sector.

A standout visualisation in the report illustrates the distribution of shortage and surplus occupations across EURES countries, reinforcing the geographic disparities in employment trends. As Europe faces an increasingly tight labour market, this report serves as a critical resource for policymakers, businesses, and workers navigating the challenges of a shifting employment landscape.

More information: European Labour Authority