Competence gaps and isolated labour shortages are emphasised in the social welfare and health care sector and the technology industry
- News
The 2025 Labour Force Barometer examines labour market developments by region and in three sectors: the social welfare and health care sector, the technology industry and technology services, and business and administration. Expert assessments have been compiled in cooperation with ELY Centres.
The labour market is seeing a moderate upswing, although the shift is slow. Unemployment is expected to start declining and with an increase of open jobs next year. At the same time, competence gaps and isolated labour shortages are becoming emphasised – especially in the social welfare and health care sector and the technology industry.
Although labour shortages have decreased, there are still certain occupations that suffer from shortages. Nationally, the top five are
- general practitioners,
- mechanics and machinists,
- chief physicians and medical specialists,
- welders and gas cutters, and
- psychologists.
Competence needs
Besides professional skills, the world of work is focused on
- digital competence and artificial intelligence,
- multicultural competence and
- customer service and interpersonal skills.
In terms of sectors, expertise that is in demand includes mental health and substance work and machines and equipment.
The Labour Force Barometer is an anticipation tool developed by the KEHA Centre, used to assess short-term (about one year) labour and competence needs nationally and regionally. The Barometer provides both expert assessments and statistical data on different sectors, professions and competences.