Labor shortage in the Ukrainian labor market in 2025
In 2025, the Ukrainian labor market is facing a labor shortage against the backdrop of mass layoffs in frontline regions. Women make up 81% of the unemployed, while before the war their share was 55%. The average official salary in October 2025 reached 26,900 UAH, increasing by 1,000 UAH over two months.
According to research, 74% of companies in Ukraine experienced a shortage of skilled workers in 2025. This indicates significant changes in the labor market, where demand for specialists exceeds supply. In the Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions, the number of laid-off workers exceeds the number of new hires, further complicating the situation in these areas.
Current situation in the labor market
Hiring activity is mainly concentrated in Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and Lviv region. This may indicate that workers are seeking opportunities in more stable and safe regions, while frontline areas remain with a high level of unemployment. In this regard, there is a need for courses for women in new professions to help them adapt to the new conditions in the labor market.
Thus, the labor shortage in Ukraine in 2025 has become a serious challenge, particularly for women who make up the majority of the unemployed. In the changing labor market, it is essential to find effective solutions to improve the employment situation, especially through skills enhancement and adaptation to new professions.
“This labor shortage in the job market may significantly impact the recovery of Ukraine's economy in the post-conflict period.”
Source: Analytical Report 2025
Considering that women have become the most vulnerable group among the unemployed, implementing programs to enhance their competitiveness is crucial. Adapting to new professions and skills will be a key factor in ensuring stability in the labor market amid changing economic realities. As the demand for specialists grows, the government and businesses should focus on creating opportunities for training and retraining.