Industry and construction sectors face rising labor demand in Finland

A recent survey by the Chambers of Commerce indicates a growing demand for skilled labor, particularly within the industrial and construction sectors. In the Southwest Finland region, recruitment prospects for these industries are notably brighter than in other sectors.

Among medium-sized construction companies surveyed in August, 60 percent expect recruitment needs to increase over the next six months. This contrasts with micro-enterprises in the trade and service sectors, where only a quarter reported similar expectations. In Southwest Finland, approximately 38 percent of industrial and construction firms anticipate job growth within six months, while 70 percent foresee growth over the next two years.

Labor shortages remain a significant hurdle for growth. In Southwest Finland, 30 percent of industrial and construction companies report current difficulties in securing labor, compared to a 22 percent average across all surveyed sectors. Suvi Pulkkinen, a leading expert at the Central Chamber of Commerce, noted that as employment improves, it is vital to ensure that the shortage of skilled professionals does not become a new invisible brake on economic growth.