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Labour shortages and surpluses in Europe 2024

June 2025

Cambridge Econometrics, in collaboration with the Verian Group, produced the seventh edition of the European Employment Services (EURES) report. 

The report provides insights into labour imbalances in EURES countries by identifying occupations experiencing labour shortages and surpluses. It also outlines measures to help address these imbalances. 

Building on previous editions, this report introduces new features to the analysis, including an in-depth focus on the transportation and storage sector.  

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Labour shortages and surpluses in Europe 2024

Authors (Cambridge Econometrics): Max Fischer-Barnicol, Robin Lechtenfeld, Niranjana Prasad, Cornelia-Mădălina Șuta, Clara Tanios

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Findings

Despite strong employment numbers, the EURES labour market faces serious structural issues. 

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Widespread shortages: Caused by ageing populations, technological advancements, the green transition, geographic mismatches and unattractive working conditions in certain sectors and occupations.  

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Gender imbalances: Women are under-represented in shortage roles (e.g. technicians) but over-represented in surplus roles (e.g. cleaning), increasing their risk of unemployment. 

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Skills mismatches: The jobs available don't align with the skills of job seekers. 

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Characteristics of workers: Shortage occupations attract more highly educated workers, while surplus roles tend to require lower skill levels.

This report identifies policy pointers to reduce the labour imbalances across EURES countries by improving education, labour mobility, working conditions and gender equality. 

Improve participation in education and training such as expanding education and training provision to acquire the STEM skills required by the industry, increase digital literacy of workers across the board and encourage women to pursue STEM education.

Strengthen labour mobility by improving information sharing on job opportunities and working conditions, and by supporting commuting and relocation for workers moving from regions with labour surpluses to areas facing labour shortages.

Improve working conditions in the transportation and storage sector to address labour shortages and make these occupations more attractive to young people and women.

Get in touch

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Madalina Suta

Head of European & Global Economic and Social Policy

t: +32 2 897 9987

e:cs@camecon.com

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