The Ukrainian labor market in 2026 faced a imbalance: there are more job vacancies than candidates, but the needs of employers and job seekers often do not coincide. Businesses lack people in manufacturing, construction, retail, and other areas where remote work is impossible. This is stated by Kоротко referencing HR expert Natalia Slin'ko.
The situation is affected by mobilization, migration, demographic changes, and the spread of artificial intelligence. Companies that cannot offer workers booking especially feel the shortage of personnel.
What type of workers does Ukraine need in 2026
The situation depends on the profession. In IT and among top managers, employers have a wider choice of candidates. In contrast, engineers and technical specialists more often find themselves in conditions of staff shortages.
One of the main problems is that many Ukrainians have requalified for office or remote work. At the same time, businesses need people who will physically work in manufacturing, construction, and stores.
«Youth continues to learn, so to speak, for office professions, rather than those that are in demand. These are manual labor - energy workers, builders, production workers, plumbers, as well as professions related to artificial intelligence management», — Slin'ko explained.
The demand, according to her assessment, will also remain strong in the service, retail, healthcare, construction, and agriculture sectors.
How artificial intelligence is changing the labor market in 2026
AI has the greatest impact on office professions, where part of the repetitive operations can be automated. In Ukraine, this is particularly noticeable in IT and outsourcing companies.
At the same time, in the real sector of the economy, in large enterprises and in agribusiness, the expert does not observe mass layoffs due to AI. It is still difficult to fully automate manufacturing and sales of products and medicines, construction, maintenance, and agriculture.
How booking affects salaries in 2026
A significant advantage of job vacancies has become booking from mobilization. Companies that have the appropriate right can inform about this opportunity during the search for workers.
«People are willing to lower their salary expectations and overall work expectations if the vacancy offers booking. And employers are well aware of this», — noted Slin'ko.
According to her, such companies can attract more qualified specialists for less money. At the same time, booking does not give employers the right to impose any conditions, and cases of manipulation are not considered a systemic trend by the expert.
In the future, workers will have to more often acquire new skills and change professional direction. Continuous learning and requalification will become increasingly important for maintaining competitiveness in the labor market.
Let us remind you that the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine announced the opening of job vacancies in recovery support and reform teams.