In Ukraine, there is a rapidly increasing demand for older workers. Due to the war, mobilization, and migration, employers are increasingly offering jobs to people aged 55 and older, and men aged 60+ have become one of the most sought-after categories in the labor market. This is noted by AMPUP.
Demand for 55+ workers has risen sharply
Ella Libanova, Director of the Institute of Demography and Social Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine named after M.V. Ptukh, notes that employers are currently actively looking for older individuals.
According to her, men over 60 years old have become particularly sought after. One reason is mobilization, as employers do not want to risk losing such workers due to conscription.
«Today, employers are literally chasing after people in this age group», — states Ella Libanova.
The highest demand for older workers is observed in the following sectors:
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industry;
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construction;
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transport;
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agriculture;
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manufacturing professions.
The labor market in Ukraine is changing attitudes towards age
Experts note that the change in attitude towards age began in the second half of the 2010s due to demographic trends. However, the full-scale war has only intensified this process.
Today, specialists talk about the so-called «silver age» of the economy, when experienced workers become an important resource for the labor market.
Older individuals have significant professional experience, responsibility, and social capital, making them valuable assets for businesses.
At the same time, in some sectors, particularly in services, older workers are still less commonly engaged due to the specifics of the work.
It should be noted that an analysis by OLX Work shows significant changes in the labor market in Ukraine in 2026 compared to the pre-war year of 2022. The number of vacancies increased by 13%, indicating a revitalization of the labor market, while the number of responses to vacancies declined by 3.5%.