Labor shortage in Ukraine: how the government plans to engage 2 million people in work
Ukraine is experiencing a growing labor shortage in working and technical professions, a consequence of the war and mobilization. The government is developing an Employment Strategy until 2030, aimed at engaging up to 2 million people from the economically inactive population. This is an important step in addressing the labor shortage problem, which is felt in various sectors of the economy.
The labor shortage is particularly noticeable in:
- construction
- industry
- transport
- logistics
- service sector
According to data, about 12.5 million citizens aged 15 and older remain economically inactive. This indicates a significant reserve of labor that can be engaged in active work.
Dual education and changes in the labor market
As part of the Employment Strategy, the government emphasizes dual education, which allows acquiring practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This can help prepare personnel that meet the needs of the labor market.
Before the war, about 42 million people lived in Ukraine, but their estimated number has now decreased to 35 million. At the same time, the unemployment rate in October 2025 is expected to be around 11.3%. This data highlights the importance of implementing new initiatives to improve the situation in the labor market.
As Irina Sopilko noted, 'We always believed that a machinist is a male profession. Today we see women machinists, women taxi drivers.'
The government acknowledges that there is 'a huge spectrum of professions without which the country cannot become strong and return to normal life,' adds Irina Sopilko. Therefore, the implementation of the Employment Strategy is an important step towards the recovery of Ukraine's economy and ensuring its stable development.
This initiative emphasizes the importance of adapting the labor market to the new realities that have emerged due to the war and social changes. Engaging a significant number of economically inactive population can not only help solve the labor shortage problem but also contribute to the revival of economic activity in the country. Successful implementation of the Employment Strategy can become the foundation for forming a new, more flexible labor market that meets the needs of modernity.