Europe’s labour market remains resilient in early 2026, with record-high employment levels despite economic headwinds. However, new data show that some sectors are struggling more than others to fill vacancies.

Figures released by Eurostat reveal significant shifts in job vacancy rates between 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2023 across the European Union.

Manufacturing Sees Largest Vacancy Increase

Manufacturing labourers recorded the sharpest rise in job vacancy rates, increasing by 4.2% over the four-year period.

The surge reflects the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns, which disrupted supply chains and led many workers to leave the sector. As production rebounded, companies faced recruitment challenges while trying to meet renewed demand.

Other occupations with notable increases in vacancy rates include:

• Sales, marketing and development managers (+3%)

• Sales workers (+2.8%)

• Transport and storage labourers (+2.5%)

• Clerical support workers (+2.4%)

The data suggest continued hiring pressures in logistics, retail and business services.

Vacancy Rates Fall in Tech and Science Roles

Not all sectors saw rising demand.

The biggest declines in vacancy rates were recorded among:

• Life science technicians (-2.6%)

• Database and network professionals (-1.7%)

• Software developers and analysts (-1.5%)

Experts partly attribute these declines to increased automation and the growing role of artificial intelligence. While highly specialised digital roles remain in demand, some research-focused or routine tech positions may be facing less recruitment pressure.

Lower Vacancy Doesn’t Mean Fewer Jobs

Despite falling vacancy rates, tech-related occupations remain above the EU average vacancy rate of 2.4%.

For example:

• Database and network professionals had a vacancy rate of 5.1% in 2023.

• Software developers and analysts recorded 6.9%.

Both sectors also saw a rise in their share of total employment between 2019 and 2023, indicating continued expansion even as recruitment became easier.

Conversely, some sectors with rising vacancy rates experienced slight declines in their share of total employees. Transport and storage labourers (-0.2%) and sales workers (-0.1%) saw marginal workforce reductions during the same period.

Post-Pandemic Labour Market Trends

The findings highlight how Europe’s labour market has evolved since the pandemic:

• Industrial and logistics roles face ongoing hiring challenges.

• Sales and managerial roles show growing demand.

• Digital sectors remain strong but are stabilising.

Overall, the EU labour market remains robust, but recruitment pressures vary widely by sector.