Another sign of a matching problem is if labour shortages are high while there are many unemployed. Labour shortages have been very high but have eased in many sectors since the second half of 2022 (see Figure 10). This could be an indication of reduced matching problems. However, lower labour shortages are probably partly due to the weak economic situation and there is a risk that labour shortages will rise again when the economy improves. Moreover, labour shortages remain relatively high in the manufacturing sector.

Figure 10. Labour shortages in different sectors Per cent