The number of vacancies is decreasing in Ukraine, but the shortage of workers is growing: which areas have suffered the most

The Ukrainian labor market in 2026 demonstrates contradictory trends: the number of vacancies in some industries has decreased by more than 40%, while it is becoming increasingly difficult for employers to find qualified employees. The greatest difficulties in finding personnel are observed in medicine, manufacturing, security and real estate.

In which industries did the number of vacancies decrease the most

According to the results of the labor market analysis in September 2026, compared to the same period last year, the number of job advertisements in the following industries decreased the most:

Beauty, fitness and sports – by 43.2%.

Education and translation – by 42.7%.

Agriculture and agribusiness – by 34.7%.

Hotel and restaurant business and tourism – by 33.7%.

At the same time, the reduction in the number of vacancies does not mean that it has become easier for employers to find employees.

Where is the biggest shortage of personnel

According to OLX Robota, the number of candidate responses per vacancy decreased the most in the real estate sector — by 42.1%.

A decrease was also recorded in other industries:

Medicine and pharmaceuticals — by 23.6%.

Production and labor specialties — by 19.3%.

Security and safety — by 10.1%.

On the other hand, in the hotel and restaurant business, the number of responses per vacancy increased by 27.7%, in education — by 25.6%, and in the service stations and car washes sector — by 11%.

What kind of work are Ukrainians looking for

A joint study by OLX Robota and the European Business Association showed that 54% of respondents are currently unemployed, but are actively looking for work.

Another 39% have a job, but are considering changing their place of employment. Only 7% of respondents are not looking for a job.

More than half of those surveyed are interested in jobs related to physical labor, including work as a driver, cook, cashier or construction worker.

Another 30% are looking for positions of middle-level specialists, 9% – senior specialists or managers, and 6% are applying for management positions.

What is most important for candidates

The main criterion when choosing a job remains salary. 90% of respondents called it important.

In addition:

67.3% pay attention to the distance to the place of work.

61.1% consider a flexible schedule important.

Due to the staff shortage, Ukrainian companies are forced to review their approaches to employment. In particular, employers are increasingly willing to hire people without experience, provide on-the-job training and attract employees of different age categories.

Thus, despite the reduction in the number of vacancies, the problem of staff shortage remains relevant for a number of sectors of the Ukrainian economy.