Health, social services sector sees labour shortage most

The health and social services sector is facing the greatest shortage of labour, where skilled workers are needed for the care of older people, in particular, according to the Labour Force Barometer for autumn 2023 published by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment on Wednesday.

This autumn, the revised Labour Force Barometer focused on the future prospects of the technology industry and the social welfare, health and wellbeing sectors.

According to the barometer, there is a shortage of labour especially in the health and social services sector, where digital and language skills are also lacking.

The chronic labour shortage in the health and social services sector is not likely to improve soon.

In particular, the shortage of nurses and practical nurses is anticipated to continue in the near future.

Compared with its predecessor, the Occupational Barometer, the Labour Force Barometer provides more comprehensive and consistent information on labour and competence needs in all Finland’s ELY Centre areas.

A significant decline in the construction industry, shrinking order books in manufacturing, rising raw material prices and other factors causing uncertainty are putting pressure on the technology industry.

The estimates show, however, that open vacancies in the technology sector will continue to go unfilled in the future too.

On the other hand, investments in the clean transition, which will increase demand for labour in many regions, will give a boost to the sector.

There is plenty of demand in the ICT industry still, even though the demand has fallen compared to previous estimates. Order books are expected to start growing next summer.