Skill Shortages Soar in Europe, 75% of Employers Struggle to Find Workers With Right Skills

75% of employers in 21 European countries could not find workers with the right skills in 2023, up 33 percentage points from 42% in 2018.

54% of SMEs in the EU identified skill shortages as one of their top 3 most serious problems in 2023.

42% of European SMEs reported facing shortages for technician roles like lab workers and mechanics.

56% of employers said there were few or no qualified applicants, the top reason for skill shortages.

Skill shortages are driven by demographic shifts, demand for new tech skills, and challenges with working conditions.