This report by Cedefop explores the drivers of labour shortages in European labour markets, using data from the second wave of the Cedefop European Skills and Jobs Survey (ESJS2). The study delves into detailed information on foundational, digital, manual, and interpersonal job-skill requirements collected at the job level, constructing indices to profile the skills needed for various jobs across Europe.
According to the findings, occupational labour shortages are not solely driven by high-skill demands. Other factors, such as labour market immobility, worker skills gaps, and unattractive working conditions, also play significant roles. The evidence shows considerable variance in the underlying determinants of labour shortages across different occupations, challenging the effectiveness of one-size-fits-all policies.
The report highlights that while some occupations face low cognitive skill needs, they have high demands for learning and adaptability. In these cases, improving job quality or reducing labour turnover may be more effective solutions to labour shortages than increasing skill supply. Moreover, the study underscores the need for tailored policy interventions that consider the specific skill profiles and unique drivers of shortages in different occupations rather than broad-based approaches.
Source: European Digital Skills & Jobs Platform
