Shcherbachenko Viktoriia, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer at the Department of International Economic Relations,Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine

ORCID ID: 0000-0002-4570-3389
e-mail: v.shcherbachenko@macro.sumdu.edu.ua

Antsybor Tina, student of Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine

ORCID ID: 0009-0002-5421-8235
e-mail: t0710.antsybor@gmail.com

Analysis of the State and Dynamics of the Ukrainian Labour Market in Wartime

Abstract. Introduction. This article examines the current state of Ukraine’s labor market in the context of deep socioeconomic transformations caused by internal problems and external challenges, particularly military aggression, globalization, and digitalization.

Purpose. This study aims to provide a thorough analysis of the labor market amidst war, pinpointing key issues and trends while offering recommendations to address regional disparities and boost labor mobility.

Results. Given the high unemployment rate, the imbalance between labor supply and demand, the spread of informal employment, and rapid changes in the employment structure due to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the authors emphasize the relevance of labor market research. The article highlights a sharp decline in employment in industrialized regions, a decrease in the number of private-sector employees, and specific staffing difficulties in industries due to mobilization. At the same time, the demand for qualified technical specialists remains high. This article is based on data from the State Statistics Service, international organizations, and leading Ukrainian research platforms. The paper emphasizes the importance of new requirements for employees, including universal skills, English proficiency, and knowledge of modern digital technologies, including artificial intelligence. The paper also analyzes the growing role of remote work as a leading trend in the labor market from 2022 to 2023.

Conclusions. The authors emphasize the complexity and duration of restoring pre-war employment levels due to the decline in GDP, destruction of enterprises, mass migration, and loss of human capital. However, they also note the potential for recovery if there is effective interaction between the state, businesses, and employees; support from international partners; and the introduction of innovative approaches to labor organization.

Keywords: labour market; disproportions; employment; unemployment; vacancies; professions; transformations; armed aggression.

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