The panel examined the important issue of labour shortages, which affect nearly all OECD countries. The discussion focused on several issues. One was potential causes, including large demographic shifts in the population, the need for workers to adapt to rapid economic transformations, and an increased demand for labour-intensive services in ageing societies. Another issue was modest productivity growth despite technological advances, including growing adoption of artificial intelligence as well as broader digitalization efforts. Finally, the panel also focused on a range of potential policy measures aimed at alleviating labour shortages and supporting sustainable economic development.<\/p>\n
![\"portrait](\"https:\/\/iab-forum.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Kaufmann_Forum_Artikelbild_Portrait_179x219.jpg\")
Dr Barbara Kauffmann is the director of the Directorate F – Employment and Social Governance, Analysis at the European Commission in Brussels.<\/p><\/div>\n
Labour and skills shortages in the EU<\/h2>\n
Barbara Kauffmann gave a presentation on \u201cLabour and Skills Shortages in the EU.\u201d The presentation examined the growing labour shortages across EU Member States over the past decade. These shortages represent a potential challenge for business operations, investment, and the EU\u2019s overall competitiveness. There are several key drivers. One is demographic shifts, particularly the decline in the working-age population. Another is the prevalence of poor working conditions in sectors facing severe shortages. Further, some groups are underrepresented in the labour market, such as people with disabilities and older workers. Kauffmann also noted that structural changes in the demand for skills, especially within green and digital transition sectors, are fuelling the shortage. Policy solutions focused on proposals to improve working conditions, enhance mobility within the EU, support skills training, and attract talent from outside the EU.<\/p>\n
Presentation of Barbara Kauffmann<\/a><\/p>\n Dr St\u00e9phane Carcillo is the Head of the Jobs and Income Division at the OECD.<\/p><\/div>\n St\u00e9phan Carcillo focused on \u201cLabour Shortages in the OECD\u201d. Using evidence from the 2024 OECD Employment Outlook, the presentation provided an overview of the labour market challenges faced by OECD countries. Although there are signs of easing, the labour market remains tight, particularly in specific sectors. Carcillo noted that while low-pay industries are no longer the primary sources of shortages, substantial pressures continue in sectors like healthcare, education, and professional services. Carcillo highlighted several key drivers of these shortages, including demographic shifts like aging populations and changes in labour force participation, new skill requirements prompted by AI, digitalization, and the green transition, structural shifts and job transitions, and changes in worker preferences\u2014such as demands for improved working conditions. To address these challenges, Carcillo suggested policies to encourage geographic mobility, to activate underrepresented groups in the workforce, and to improve job quality to attract workers.<\/p>\n Presentation of St\u00e9phan Carcillo<\/a><\/p>\n Tito Boeri is a Professor in the Department of Economics at the Bocconi University in Milan.<\/p><\/div>\n Tito Boeri\u2018s addressed the topic \u201cFrom Labour Slack to Labour Shortages\u201d. The presentation examined the widespread labour shortages now impacting various sectors across Europe. Boeri suggested that these shortages are more structural than cyclical, as many high-demand occupations were already experiencing similar challenges before the post-COVID-19 recovery. The presentation identified key factors driving these shortages, including skill mismatches, demographic changes like an ageing population, and poor working conditions in low-wage occupations such as sales, cleaning, and cooking, which deter potential workers. The evidence also indicated that shortages in certain fields are made worse by a lack of specialized training, especially in healthcare and engineering. Policy solutions focus on expanding vocational training, increasing labour force participation (particularly among women), improving workplace conditions, and raising immigration levels to mitigate the effects of an ageing workforce.<\/p>\n Presentation of Tito Boeri<\/a><\/p>\n Professor Bernd Fitzenberger, PhD, is the Director of the IAB and Professor of Quantitative Labor Economics at Friedrich-Alexander-Universit\u00e4t Erlangen-Nuremberg.<\/p><\/div>\n Bernd Fitzenberger focused on \u201cLabour Shortages in Germany\u201d. The presentation examined the labour market challenges Germany is facing. Despite record-high employment levels, Germany is experiencing a severe shortage of skilled workers, particularly in sectors such as construction and hospitality. This shortage is exacerbated by a persistent mismatch between job openings and the qualifications of job seekers, as indicated by high unemployment rates among unskilled labour. Other structural challenges include a decrease in worker mobility (since 2019), an ageing population, and a decline in apprenticeship programmes. While there were fewer job vacancies in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, labour shortages are expected to continue in the coming years.<\/p>\n![\"Das](\"https:\/\/iab-forum.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Default_Mann-e1732264460106.jpg\")
Labour shortages in the OECD<\/h2>\n
![\"Portrait](\"https:\/\/iab-forum.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Boeri_Forum_Artikelbild_Portrait_179x219.jpg\")
From labour slack to labour shortages in the EU<\/h2>\n
![\"Portrait](\"https:\/\/iab-forum.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fitzenberger_Forum_Artikelbild_Portrait_179x219.jpg\")
Labour shortages in Germany<\/h2>\n