Siracusa faces labor shortages and business succession crisis

The province of Siracusa is facing significant economic challenges regarding labor stability and business continuity. According to data from the CGIA study office, Siracusa recorded an average of 224.6 paid working days per employee in 2024. This places the province 90th in Italy, falling below the national average of 246.5 days and the southern Italian average of 228 days.

In addition to low working days, the region faces a crisis in business succession. A report by CNA indicates that 14.6% of business owners in Siracusa are over the age of 70, a figure that has risen from 12.7% over the last decade. This aging entrepreneurship coincides with an 18% decline in the population aged 20 to 39 in the area between 2015 and 2026.

Rosanna Magnano, President of CNA Siracusa, highlighted that the lack of generational turnover threatens the local economy and the preservation of professional skills. The organization is calling for better support for young people to take over existing businesses, including easier access to credit and facilitated skill transfers.