Labour Market Information: Italy

National level - Italy

^{* The years referenced in this report vary, as the data is based on the most up-to-date information available for each indicator, as of December 2024.}

Labour market

As of 1 January 2024, about 59 million people lived in Italy. The gross domestic product per inhabitant was EUR 33 000 in 2022, 6.8% lower than the average of EUR 35 400 per inhabitant in the EU27. Between 2018 and 2022, the GDP per capita increased by 11%.

^{Note: nama_10r_2gdp, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, more than 25.5 million people were active on the labour market in Italy. The employment rate was 61.5%, 8.9 percentage points lower than the EU27 average and 2.9 percentage points higher compared to 2018.In 2023, for women, the employment rate was 52.5%, for men, the employment rate was 70.4%, and for youth, the employment rate was 20.4%, all below the EU average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, data refer to working age population (15-64), youth age group (15-24)  Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, the unemployment rate was nearly matching the level registered in 2022. In 2023, the unemployment rate has not yet returned to the level before the pandemic, when it equalled 10.8% in 2018, and 10.1% in 2019. The unemployment rate is consistently above the EU27 average. In 2023, it was 1.7 percentage points higher in Italy than in the EU27.

In 2023, 85% of the active workforce were from Italy, 4.2% from other EU Member States and 10.9 from third countries. In the EU27, as of 2023, the highest proportion of the workforce comes from the respective country (85% on average), while on average a smaller portion is from foreign countries (4.3% from other EU Member States, and 10.5% from third countries).

In 2022, most employees worked in manufacturing (21.7%), followed by wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (19.3%), construction (8.9%) and accommodation and food service activities (8.8%). In terms of number of enterprises, most can be found in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (23.7%), professional, scientific and technical activities (20.1%), and construction (12.1%).

In Italy, the highest proportion of employees (41.8%) worked in micro companies with up to 9 employees. These companies accounted for the majority of all enterprises in the country (95%) with 4 357 946 of such businesses. 25% of persons employed worked in large companies with more than 250 employees, 13.5% of persons employed worked in medium companies with 50 to 249 employees, 10.2% of persons employed worked in small companies with 10 to 19 employees and 9.5% of persons employed worked in small companies with 20 to 49 employees.

Vacancies

In 2024, in Italy, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of shortage occupations were: stationary plant and machine operators, legal, social and cultural professionals and sales workers.

Read more about labour shortages and surpluses in Europe: Labour shortages and surpluses in Europe 2023 | European Labour Authority (europa.eu)

Job vacancy rate

Regarding the job vacancy rate (defined as the number of job vacancies expressed as a percentage of the total sum of occupied posts and job vacancies), in 2023 this was 2.3 % in the industry, construction and services, nearly matching the EU27 average. This rate has increased by 0.1 percentage points compared to 2022 and it is still above the situation before 2020, when it stood only at 1.4%.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

The sectors with the highest vacancy rates were human health and social work activities; education; arts, entertainment and recreation; public administration and defence; compulsory social security; administrative and support services.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

Widely used job portals

Minimum wage

As of 2024, Italy did not have a statutory minimum wage and relied on collective bargaining to set wage floors. As collective bargaining in Italy is high at 100% (OECD-ICTWSS), most workers are covered by some form of wage floor.

Monthly average gross and net earnings

In 2023, the gross average earnings of a single person stood at EUR 2791, while the EU27 average was EUR 3417. The equivalent net wage was EUR 2 017 in Italy, compared to EUR 2351 in the EU27. Compared to 2018, gross average earnings increased by 8.2% in Italy and by 19.8% in the EU27. During the same period, the net wages have increased by 13.6% in Italy and by 22.1% in the EU27.

^{Note: earn_nt_net, Single person earning 100% average, annual rates transformed into 12 monthly payments. Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

Trends

Go directly to Digital transition | Expected growing or declining sectors | Green transition | Immigration | Other | Remote work

Digital transition

Last digital transition actions and investments have led to an increased demand for jobs in the IT and telecommunications sectors. These include software analysts and designers, electronic and telecommunications engineers, programming technicians and network and telematic system administrators. More than 20% of the total demand for professionals require a mix of at least two e-skills (basic digital skills, ability to use mathematical and IT languages and methods, and to manage innovative solutions). Demand for IT professionals is increasing in many sectors, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, and cybersecurity.

Expected growing or declining sectors

Last forecast (October-December 2024) shows a positive trend with around 1.3 million scheduled hires (+4.5% compared to the same quarter 2023). Tourism offers the greatest job opportunities (245 thousand requests) and trade (207 thousand workers), followed by services (over 152 thousand workers in the quarter).

Sectors registering a decline in hiring are the industry (-4.4% of entries), manufacturing companies (-3.4%), construction (-10.6% on the year and -6.2% for the quarter).

Green Transition

Ecological transition is one of the leading sectors in the Italian employment scenario. It covers the circular economy and sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and sustainable mobility, energy efficiency and building redevelopment and land preservation. The job growth regards many economic sectors, particularly in mechatronics (especially electricity and electronics), agri-food, fittings and construction. The greatest demand for green jobs will be in the construction sector, specifically: sustainable architects, designers of sustainable buildings and installers of low environmental impact air-conditioning systems; for the mechanics field, experts in electric motor systems and/or component technologies; for environmental roles, environmental IT specialists to develop environmental software and applications, along with environmental lawyers, mobility managers, energy managers and eco-designers.

Immigration (from the EU, from third countries)

In January 2024 the number of people with foreign citizenship stands at around 5.3 million (almost 9% of the total population,) with a higher concentration in north-western regions. Data show an increase of both non-EU (+2.9%) and EU (+0.3%) citizens between 2022 and 2023. This trend has allowed to supply the negative trend of native population and workers in recent years. One in five foreigners residing in Italy is of Romanian nationality (1 million), followed by the Albanian community (416 thousand) and the Moroccan community (415 thousand). Compared to 2022, the growth of the Ukrainian community (+10.8%) linked to the war conflict and the reception of refugee flows after February 2022. In 2023, foreign employees were 2.4 million (+2.1% compared to 2022), equal to 10.1% of the total. Between 2022 and 2023, the trend in foreign employment is characterized by a more marked growth in the Information and communication services (+12.7%) and Hotels and restaurants sectors (+7.6%). In 2023 the main sectors registering foreign employees were: personal and collective services (30.4%), followed by agriculture (18%;), catering/tourism (17.4%) and construction (16.4%). Last forecasts (November 2024) show that Italian companies are looking for immigrant workers to cover 86.000 entries expected in the month, equal to 20.1% of total contracts. Among the sectors that will make the most use of the foreign labour: transport, logistics and warehousing services (29.4%), services for businesses and people (28.3%), accommodation and food services (22.7%), construction (22.2%) and metallurgy (19.7%).

Other

The difficulty in recruiting concerns 49.3% of personnel searches, with peaks of 66.2% for specialized workers and 52.4% for technical professions. The most difficult figures to find are among specialized workers: foundries, welders, tinsmiths, boilermakers, metal carpentry assemblers (79.0% are difficult to find) and blacksmiths, toolmakers (76.8 %); for technical professions, engineering technicians (65.5%) and healthcare technicians (59.5%).

In October-December 2024 quarter, the greatest employment opportunities for young people are offered by financial and insurance services (48.6% of planned hires), IT and telecommunications services (45.9%), trade (40.5%), accommodation and catering services (40.2%) and the chemical-pharmaceutical, plastic and rubber industries (39.4%).

At a territorial level, the demand for labour from companies in the South and Islands is growing (+69 thousand in the quarter October-December 2024). The demand for labour from companies in the Centre is almost stable (+1.9 thousand in the quarter), while there is a decline for companies in the Northwest (-6 thousand in the quarter) and in the North Est (-11 thousand in the quarter).

Remote work

The incidence of remote work has been gradually increasing in Italy between 2018 and 2023, from 3.6% to 4.4%. Similarly, the share of remote work as measured by ‘sometimes’ has increased from 1.2% to 7.6%. The increase in the incidence of remote work was exceptionally high during the pandemic.

^{Note: lfsa_ehomp, Product - Datasets - Eurostat}

Piedmont (Piemonte)

With 4 251 351 inhabitants, Piedmont represented about 7.2% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Piedmont was 96.9% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 93.2%.

The entrepreneurial structure of Piedmont is characterized by a very high weight of small and very small businesses, although to a lesser extent than the Italian average. The most innovative start-ups and companies, as well as the biggest firms, are concentrated in the Metropolitan City of Turin; the most developed supply chains are ICT, advanced manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and logistics. There are two important university institutes: the University of Turin and the Polytechnic of Turin. The supply chains most characterizing the South-West are agri-food and advanced manufacturing. The renowned University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo is located in this area. The North-East and South-East also see a significant presence of advanced manufacturing and agri-food, as well as the textile, clothing and fashion supply chain and the logistics sector. The various branches of the University of Eastern Piedmont are distributed across these territories. The tourism sector cuts across the entire region.

In 2023, more than 1 918 900 people were active in the labour market in Piedmont. 22.6% had tertiary education, 48.8% had secondary education, and 28.6% had primary education. The employment rate in Piedmont was 48.6 % in 2023, 2.5 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 41.8%, men had an employment rate of 55.8%, and for the youth the employment rate was 21.3%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Piedmont was 6.1% in 2023, 1.5 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

In 2023 the weight of high qualifications amounted to 23.6% of hirings, with a positive balance at the end of the year amounting to 11 917; the weight of intermediate qualifications amounted to 44.2% of hirings, with a positive balance of 16 178 units; finally, low qualifications constituted 32.1% of hirings, with a positive balance of 4 438. A concentration in intermediate qualifications is emerging in the labour market, due to a consistent growth in executive professions in office jobs, clerical professions in commercial activities, catering staff, artisans, specialized workers and farmers. In any case, the balance of high qualifications is clearly positive, with a high number of recruitments among professors and educators, health specialists, professionals in management and banking, engineers and computer scientists. The lowest skilled occupations are concentrated in agricultural labourers, goods delivery, cleaning services, construction and domestic services.

Shortages

Considering retirements, almost all occupational sectors are expected to express a high demand for staff over the next four years: services, in particular personal services, but also manufacturing, commerce and catering. However, not all these sectors will be equally able to find the staff they need: 48% of firms say they expect difficulties in achieving it. In particular, with a mismatch reaching peaks of 65%, skilled workers, technicians and STEM professionals are already the most lacking professionals in the entire region. Finally, it is noted that the difficulty in finding workers is due to a lack of candidates rather than to a lack of skills, thanks to the good quality of the professional training and higher education.

Surpluses

The number of people available for work who registered with public employment centres in 2023 in Piedmont was 190.728. Most of them are women (54.8%). The largest age group is 15-29 years old (35.1%), followed by people over 50 (26.2%), those in the 30-39 age group (19.7%) and lastly those in the 40-49 age group (19.1%). In general, most of these people’s education level is below upper secondary (~50%). Thus, the type of occupations in which these workers are generally placed fall either into those with a low level of specialization or into those with an intermediate level, after a skill enhancement through vocational courses. Available people with at least university education account for 10.6% of the total, but a significant proportion find new employment quickly and independently.

Valle d’Aosta/Vallée d’Aoste

With 123 130 inhabitants, Valle d’Aosta represented about 0.2% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Valle d’Aosta was 124% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 93.2%.

In 2023, more than 59 200 people were active in the labour market in Valle d’Aosta. 21.6% had tertiary education, 45.3% had secondary education, and 33.1% had primary education. The employment rate in Valle d’Aosta was 53 % in 2023, 6.9 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and 1.6 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 48.6%, men had an employment rate of 57.7%, and for the youth the employment rate was 25.7%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Valle d’Aosta was 4% in 2023, 3.6 points lower than the national average in the same year and a decrease from 5.3% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Liguria

With 1 507 636 inhabitants, Liguria represented about 2.6% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Liguria was 100.8% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 93.2%.

The labour market in Liguria is characterised by a high average age, strong seasonality and the prevalence of the tourism and services sectors. The working language is generally Italian.

In 2023, more than 674 000 people were active in the labour market in Liguria. 25.4% had tertiary education, 49.9% had secondary education, and 24.7% had primary education. The employment rate in Liguria was 47.6 % in 2023, 1.5 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and 1.3 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 40.4%, men had an employment rate of 55.5%, and for the youth the employment rate was 23.6%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Liguria was 6.1% in 2023, 1.5 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The sectors offering the greatest opportunities are tourism, services, trade and shipbuilding. SMEs, micro-enterprises and family-run businesses predominate, offering mainly seasonal employment.

Shortages

Labour shortages are found in key sectors such as tourism, construction and healthcare, in particular for skilled and technical profiles with experience.

Surpluses

These are mainly found in traditional and administrative manufacturing. Some low-skilled or non-specialised profiles also face greater difficulties in entering the labour market, especially if they lack digital skills.

Lombardy (Lombardia)

With 9 976 509 inhabitants, Lombardy represented about 16.9% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Lombardy was 124.9% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 93.2%.

In 2023, more than 4 688 900 people were active in the labour market in Lombardy. 25.6% had tertiary education, 48% had secondary education, and 26.5% had primary education. The employment rate in Lombardy was 52.2 % in 2023, 6.1 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 44.8%, men had an employment rate of 59.9%, and for the youth the employment rate was 25.4%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Lombardy was 4% in 2023, 3.6 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Abruzzo

With 1 272 627 inhabitants, Abruzzo represented about 2.2% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Abruzzo was 76.6% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 93.2%.

In 2023, more than 546 000 people were active in the labour market in Abruzzo. 24.6% had tertiary education, 51.8% had secondary education, and 23.6% had primary education. The employment rate in Abruzzo was 45.1 % in 2023, the national average and 1.8 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 37%, men had an employment rate of 53.7%, and for the youth the employment rate was 19.4%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Abruzzo was 8% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and a decrease from 9.4% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Molise

With 290 636 inhabitants, Molise represented about 0.5% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Molise was 70.1% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 93.2%.

In 2023, more than 117 600 people were active in the labour market in Molise. 25.3% had tertiary education, 46.6% had secondary education, and 28.1% had primary education. The employment rate in Molise was 41.4 % in 2023, 4.7 percentage points lower than the national average in Italy and 1.3 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 32.4%, men had an employment rate of 50.9%, and for the youth the employment rate was 14.3%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Molise was 9.6% in 2023, 2 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Campania

With 5 609 536 inhabitants, Campania represented about 9.5% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Campania was 60.2% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 93.2%.

Campania has a diversified labour market. Its provinces offer different employment scenarios, with Naples having a strong industrial and commercial focus, and Salerno’s activity being more oriented towards tourism and agribusiness. Tourism is a fundamental part of Campania’s economy, especially in coastal areas. However, seasonality and the need for an increasingly skilled workforce are challenges. In the agrifood sector, Campania boasts world-famous protected-designation-of-origin and protected-geographical-indication products, but the sector suffers from fragmentation and marketing difficulties. The mechanical, automotive and chemical industries are among the most important industrial sectors, although the deindustrialisation of the last few decades has left its mark. The services sector, especially the tertiary sector, is growing steadily, but is often characterised by widespread precariousness.

In 2023, more than 2 038 600 people were active in the labour market in Campania. 22.4% had tertiary education, 43.3% had secondary education, and 34.3% had primary education. The employment rate in Campania was 35.1 % in 2023, 11 percentage points lower than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 23.8%, men had an employment rate of 47.1%, and for the youth the employment rate was 12.2%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Campania was 17.4% in 2023, 9.8 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The growing focus on environmental and social issues has opened up new prospects in the renewable energy, circular economy and sustainable tourism sectors. The digital transformation is also underway in Campania, creating new job profiles and opportunities in the IT and telecommunications sectors. Start-ups and innovation: more and more young entrepreneurs are launching innovative start-up businesses, helping to diversify the region’s industrial fabric.

Shortages

During the first six months of 2024, the job categories most in demand in Campania were: labourers, production, quality (16%), followed by the retail trade and mass retailing/large-scale distribution (10.7%), and administration, accounting, secretarial (10.2%). At the same time, looking at the figures that have emerged, there has been a rapid growth, compared to the same period last year, in purchasing, logistics, warehousing (+76.3%) and in tourism, catering (+71.7%).

Puglia

With 3 907 683 inhabitants, Puglia represented about 6.6% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Puglia was 62.1% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 93.2%.

In 2023, more than 1 461 700 people were active in the labour market in Puglia. 21.4% had tertiary education, 43.1% had secondary education, and 35.5% had primary education. The employment rate in Puglia was 37.9 % in 2023, 8.2 percentage points lower than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 26.7%, men had an employment rate of 50%, and for the youth the employment rate was 16.5%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Puglia was 11.6% in 2023, 4 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Basilicata

With 537 577 inhabitants, Basilicata represented about 0.9% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Basilicata was 79.9% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 93.2%.

In 2023, more than 209 900 people were active in the labour market in Basilicata. 23.3% had tertiary education, 49.7% had secondary education, and 27% had primary education. The employment rate in Basilicata was 41 % in 2023, 5.1 percentage points lower than the national average in Italy and 1.3 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 30.4%, men had an employment rate of 52.1%, and for the youth the employment rate was 14.8%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Basilicata was 7.5% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Calabria

With 1 846 610 inhabitants, Calabria represented about 3.1% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Calabria was 55.1% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 93.2%.

A new Job Portal has been activated in Calabria, aimed at building a unified website presenting the services offered by the Job Centres and where the user can search for job offers, through the application of filters, and view the ads in the area in map mode, and allows the user to apply for each job offer.

There are four universities in Calabria: The University of Catanzaro - Magna Graecia with 38 active courses; the University of the Mediterranean Studies of Reggio Calabria with an educational offer of 25 courses, the University of Calabria of Cosenza with 88 courses and the University for Foreigners ‘Dante Alighieri’ of Reggio Calabria with 4 courses.

In general, employers in Calabria offer the possibility of working remotely in different ways depending on the type of work to be done. English is required, especially in the IT sector.

In 2023, more than 641 000 people were active in the labour market in Calabria. 24.2% had tertiary education, 45.4% had secondary education, and 30.4% had primary education. The employment rate in Calabria was 33.7 % in 2023, 12.4 percentage points lower than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 23.9%, men had an employment rate of 44.2%, and for the youth the employment rate was 10.4%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Calabria was 15.9% in 2023, 8.3 points higher than the national average in the same year and an increase from 14.6% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

In Calabria, job vacancies are concentrated in the commerce, hotels, restaurants sectors, where 21.7% are employed, while 12.2% are in agriculture. Industrial workers have a percentage weight of 8.2%.

In the last few months, the public employment services of the Calabria Region have carried out some important recruitments: for drivers for companies such as Automar, specialised in integrated logistics services for the automotive sector, part of Grimaldi Group; for South East Aviation Services (SEAS) Srl, a company specialised in the exclusive maintenance of Ryanair’s fleet of aircrafts, for the recruitment of various profiles in the aviation sector; for various profiles for WeBuild in the construction of large infrastructures.

The new Plan for Active Employment Policies of the Region of Calabria envisages 13 interventions, to be launched within the first 6 months of 2025, which can be grouped into four types: incentives for self-entrepreneurship, employment incentives, training and skills, employment services.

Shortages

The medium-skilled professional profiles on the market, i.e. those in strong and continuous demand by companies, which are considered difficult to find due to a lack of candidates or inadequate skills are mainly Restaurant waiters - Bartenders (mainly for seasonal vacancies) Retail shop assistants - Stone and brick masons; Intermediate level figures, largely in demand by medium-sized companies, for which a technical or vocational qualification or diploma is usually required: - Truck and lorry drivers - Cooks in hotels and restaurants, Drivers of earth-moving machinery, Electricians and plant installers.

There are also many specialised profiles with very high levels of recruitment difficulty, such as motor vehicle mechanics and repairers, nurses, pharmacists, as well as highly specialised technicians and workers and confectioners.

Surpluses

In Calabria, the demand for work from employers is unattractive to graduates. Those who have a high level of education to spend on the market have two options in front of them: either they leave in search of where to make the most of these skills, or they stay but, to do so, they have to change the contextual conditions. Calabria holds the sad record in Italy of having the highest rate of unemployed graduates: almost one in ten is unemployed. Inter-regional mobility tends to be higher for generic workers and in the civil engineering sector, due to the specific nature of the activities carried out there (such as road construction, railways, infrastructure works or public utilities).

More information on the labour market in Calabria can be found on the regional portal of the Economic Territorial Labour Policy Laboratory of the Calabria Region

Sicily (Sicilia)

With 4 814 016 inhabitants, Sicily represented about 8.2% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Sicily was 56.8% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 93.2%.

Active companies in Sicily are mainly found in services, agriculture, construction and industry. The number of people in employment is displaying an upward trend mainly in services and industry, whereas in construction it remains unchanged. The most frequently used form of contract for new employment relationships is the fixed-term contract, along with other contracts with a pre-defined duration. With regard to training, Sicily has secondary, technical and vocational education institutions and higher education institutes (ITS Academy) with specialised courses covering subjects such as energy efficiency, various technologies and the agrifood system. There are four Sicilian universities providing young graduates for the labour market (Messina, Catania, Palermo, Kore di Enna). The language most used in companies is Italian, although in areas such as tourism and technology, knowledge of English is required.

In 2023, more than 1 674 600 people were active in the labour market in Sicily. 22% had tertiary education, 43% had secondary education, and 35% had primary education. The employment rate in Sicily was 34.1 % in 2023, 12 percentage points lower than the national average in Italy and 1.8 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 24.1%, men had an employment rate of 44.7%, and for the youth the employment rate was 12.6%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Sicily was 15.8% in 2023, 8.2 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

According to forecasts for the last quarter of 2024, Sicilian businesses could hire around 77 980 workers. The companies hiring are of different sizes, from small local companies to those with more than 250 staff. The most in-demand occupations are in the following sectors: the production of goods, service delivery; sales and logistics, distribution and transport. Employers are mainly seeking shopkeepers and restaurant workers, sales staff, specialised construction and building maintenance workers, motor vehicle drivers, cleaners, and staff for moving and delivering goods. There are close to 20 000 opportunities for young people under the age of 30. The sectors that offer the most opportunities for young people are catering and sales.

Shortages

Despite the rise in demand for labour, companies are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit staff with specific skills. Among the highly specialised occupations, those most in demand are managerial profiles, health technicians and other education and training specialists. The educational qualifications required by companies range from a vocational qualification diploma, followed by a secondary school diploma, compulsory schooling certificate and a university degree. In the longer term, following the development of new technologies, AI specialists, business analysts, business sustainability specialists, financial technology engineers, information security experts, robotic engineers and big data analysts will be needed. In the green sector, the most in-demand professions will include lawyers, environmental law experts, technicians and installers of state-of-the-art air-conditioning systems, expert salespeople in green products, and financial specialists in investment funds anchored in green markets.

Surpluses

Any surpluses of profiles in Sicily are closely linked to seasonality. An analysis carried out on fixed term/seasonal employment for a target group of young people under 34 shows that these surpluses actually amount to 90 000 in the agriculture sector, 180 000 in industry, around 90 000 in construction, around 40 000 in services (trade, hotels and restaurants) and approximately 600 000 in other service activities. Although potentially open to moving, even temporarily, to other countries, strong cultural and family ties make it difficult for people to decide to move.

Sardinia (Sardegna)

With 1 578 146 inhabitants, Sardinia represented about 2.7% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Sardinia was 67.8% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 93.2%.

In 2024, the labour market continues to show a moderate recovery in the most important economic sectors: tourism and hospitality; agriculture and agribusiness; mining and the chemical industry; renewable energy; public services and administration. Major employers include the public healthcare sector, luxury hotel and resort chains (often belonging to large national and international groups), agrifood companies, and renewable energy operators. The Universities of Cagliari and Sassari, together with the various regional public institutions, also play an important role. Most companies prefer to recruit locally. During peak season, especially in tourist areas, there are also opportunities for foreign workers. The main working language remains Italian, especially in more traditional sectors such as agriculture, public administration and trade. In the tourism and hotel sectors, knowledge of English and other languages (German, French) is often required.

In 2023, more than 641 000 people were active in the labour market in Sardinia. 22% had tertiary education, 40% had secondary education, and 38% had primary education. The employment rate in Sardinia was 41.1 % in 2023, 5 percentage points lower than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 34.4%, men had an employment rate of 48.1%, and for the youth the employment rate was 18.5%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Sardinia was 10% in 2023, 2.4 points higher than the national average in the same year and a decrease from 11.5% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

In 2024, job vacancies reflect the regional economic composition. The profiles most in demand include hotel staff (such as receptionists and concierges), catering (chefs, waiters) and tourist guides. Agronomists, food processing technicians, and seasonal fruit and vegetable pickers are sought in the agrifood sector, as well as marketing and logistics roles for exports. Profiles such as administrative staff, social workers, healthcare assistants and teachers are in high demand, as are technicians for wind farms and solar power plants, environmental engineers, plant designers, and management specialists in the renewable energy sector. In the industrial and technology sectors, profiles such as software developers, web designers, data analysts, cybersecurity and digital marketing experts are also sought, including production technicians, chemical plant operators, specialised maintenance workers. In many sectors, especially in tourism and technology, knowledge of English is an important requirement. Multilingualism is considered an advantage, especially in tourism and international services.

Shortages

In 2024, labour shortages have been recorded in several key sectors. In the tourism and hospitality sector, shortages include waiters, chefs, receptionists, cleaning staff and tour operators. In agribusiness and agriculture, seasonal fruit and vegetable pickers are needed (especially for grape and olive picking), as are specialised agricultural workers and food processing technicians. In the field of technology and digital services, profiles that are in short supply are software developers, cybersecurity experts, data analysts, network technicians and digital marketing professionals, whereas in the renewable energy field, solar and wind power plant technicians and maintenance workers, environmental engineers and energy project management specialists are in demand. Roles that are in particularly short supply in the healthcare field are doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and health and social care professionals. The construction sector (bricklayers, carpenters, electricians and specialised maintenance technicians) and industry (production technicians, chemical operators and industrial maintenance technicians) also suffer from a number of shortages.

Surpluses

The main labour surpluses involve workers who lack specialised or updated skills that would make them more competitive in the labour market. Various profiles are noted as being over-supplied, including shop assistants, sales assistants and cashiers, general labourers, production workers and unskilled technicians, unskilled agricultural workers and seasonal workers, labourers, unskilled construction workers and unskilled craftsmen. In services in general, there are also surpluses of cleaners, caretakers and support staff.

Autonomous Province of Bolzano (Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano/Bozen)

With 534 147 inhabitants, Autonomous Province of Bolzano represented about 0.9% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Autonomous Province of Bolzano was 154.2% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 93.2%.

In 2023, more than 267 600 people were active in the labour market in Autonomous Province of Bolzano. 19% had tertiary education, 52.4% had secondary education, and 28.6% had primary education. The employment rate in Autonomous Province of Bolzano was 58.8 % in 2023, 12.7 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 52.9%, men had an employment rate of 65%, and for the youth the employment rate was 36.3%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Autonomous Province of Bolzano was 2% in 2023, 5.6 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Autonomous Province of Trento (Provincia Autonoma di Trento)

With 542 996 inhabitants, Autonomous Province of Trento represented about 0.9% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Autonomous Province of Trento was 125.1% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 93.2%.

In 2023, more than 254 900 people were active in the labour market in Autonomous Province of Trento. 24.9% had tertiary education, 54.5% had secondary education, and 20.6% had primary education. The employment rate in Autonomous Province of Trento was 52.9 % in 2023, 6.8 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 47.1%, men had an employment rate of 59%, and for the youth the employment rate was 29.5%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Autonomous Province of Trento was 3.7% in 2023, 3.9 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Veneto

With 4 849 553 inhabitants, Veneto represented about 8.2% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Veneto was 105.1% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 93.2%.

Veneto is characterized by a strong entrepreneurial business environment, dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that play a crucial role in the regional economy. This flexible and innovative business structure has enabled local companies to excel both nationally and internationally. In 2023, Veneto recorded 468 032 registered businesses, of which 421 977 are active, making it one of the Italian regions with the highest number of companies. Thanks to its export-oriented and internationalization-driven approach, Veneto is home to industry leaders such as Luxottica, Geox, De’Longhi and Calzedonia. Its industrial specializations, organized into district supply chains, range from traditional sectors to more advanced ones. In recent years, the tertiary sector has seen strong growth, with 171 190 businesses, particularly in the tourism and commercial sectors. Although agriculture represents a minority, it remains strategic, with high-quality production in international supply chains.

In 2023, more than 2 323 500 people were active in the labour market in Veneto. 22.1% had tertiary education, 51.2% had secondary education, and 26.7% had primary education. The employment rate in Veneto was 52.9 % in 2023, 6.8 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and 1.9 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 45.3%, men had an employment rate of 60.9%, and for the youth the employment rate was 29%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Veneto was 4.2% in 2023, 3.4 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

In 2023, companies in Veneto anticipate a 5% increase in hiring compared to the previous year, with approximately 526 610 new hires (+6%), of which 80% will be on payroll contracts. The most in-demand qualifications include skilled service professions (28% of new hires), unskilled professions (16%), and plant operators and semi-skilled workers (16%). Tertiary sector businesses are expected to absorb 65.3% of the new hires, focusing on accommodation, food services, tourism, and commerce. The industry sector is projected to account for 37.8% of planned hires, especially in construction and metalworking.32% of the expected hires will be in medium-small businesses (10-49 employees), 27% in companies with fewer than 9 employees, 21% in production firms with 50 to 249 employees, and 19% in companies with over 250 employees.

Shortages

Companies are reporting increasing difficulty in finding the desired profiles: in 2023, this challenge affects 50% of planned hires. The most difficult roles to fill include specialized technicians, construction workers, mechanics, welders, IT professionals, staff in the tourism and hospitality sector like chefs and waiters. This shortage is partly structural, stemming from a mismatch between the skills required and those available in the labour market. The aging population further exacerbates this issue: the mismatch due to a lack of candidates increased from 17% in 2019 to 28% in 2022, reaching 33% in 2023.There are also temporary and seasonal shortages, for example, in tourism and agriculture, driven by demand peaks during summer and harvest periods. The labour shortage is likely to become even more pronounced in the future. Some analysts estimate that Veneto will require around 302 000 workers between 2024-2028, primarily to replace positions left vacant by retiring employees.

Surpluses

Labour surpluses concern specific professional profiles particularly affected by changes stemming from the spread of new technologies and the ecological transition. Workers who face the greatest challenges in entering or remaining in the labour market are often those, typically older, with limited training in the use of new technologies and specific skills no longer in demand by companies. At the same time, many professional profiles currently unable to find placement in the labour market show a low propensity for mobility. Generally, especially for older workers and those with family commitments, relocating to other Italian regions is rarely considered an option. Likewise, the willingness to move abroad is low, primarily due to language barriers, age, and life plans, all of which are influenced by the same lack of skills that hampers their opportunities in foreign markets just as it does in the domestic one.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

With 1 194 248 inhabitants, Friuli-Venezia Giulia represented about 2% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Friuli-Venezia Giulia was 101.7% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 93.2%.

The overall situation of the regional labour market, as measured by the number of people in employment and the employment rate, is good. In the post-pandemic period, the employment base has expanded, both in manufacturing and in services. There has been an increase in permanent employment. Today, around 85% of the total number of employees are in permanent employment. Company recruitment patterns vary depending on the sector. In the industrial sector, the share of recruitment in stable employment (hiring on permanent contracts and converting existing contracts into permanent contracts) makes up nearly 35% of total recruitment. This sector offers better employment conditions, and the workforce is mainly male. Conversely, in services, especially in the tourism sector, the share of permanent recruitment is significantly lower (around 10%), as the nature of work is almost exclusively seasonal. Some critical issues remain for young people and women, especially as regards reintegration into the labour market after being on maternity leave.

In 2023, more than 544 700 people were active in the labour market in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. 23.7% had tertiary education, 53.7% had secondary education, and 22.7% had primary education. The employment rate in Friuli-Venezia Giulia was 49.6 % in 2023, 3.5 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 43%, men had an employment rate of 56.7%, and for the youth the employment rate was 23.9%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Friuli-Venezia Giulia was 4.6% in 2023, 3 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Emilia-Romagna

With 4 437 578 inhabitants, Emilia-Romagna represented about 7.5% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Emilia-Romagna was 112.7% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 93.2%.

Emilia-Romagna population: 4.39 million people, of whom about 2.13 million are active in the labour market representing 74.4% of the population aged 15-64 year. One of the highest percentages among the Italian regions. The labour market has registered very good trends in the last 3 years. The regional employment is spread as follows: 44.3% other services (including the public sector, healthcare, education), 27.3% manufacturing (especially machinery, automobiles, agriculture and food-processing machinery), 19.5% commerce (including hotels and restaurants), 5.8% construction and 3.1% agriculture. Tourism (seaside, mountain and art cities) plays a central role. In the regional job market, 20.9% of workers are self-employed, while employees represent 79.1%. The economic system remains mainly characterized by small and medium sized enterprises. The supply chains are linked through supply relationships or interdependence along the value chain, they are supported by a research and development system consisting of a set of specialized centres, including universities.

In 2023, more than 2 128 300 people were active in the labour market in Emilia-Romagna. 25.3% had tertiary education, 48.5% had secondary education, and 26.2% had primary education. The employment rate in Emilia-Romagna was 52.6 % in 2023, 6.5 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 45.8%, men had an employment rate of 59.7%, and for the youth the employment rate was 25.1%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Emilia-Romagna was 4.9% in 2023, 2.7 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

According to the Excelsior analysis - September-November 2024 period - regional companies planned to hire 124 860 professionals. These new occupations are mostly in the services sector (68.9%, including other services, commerce and tourism) with enterprises employing fewer than 50 people (55.3%). The top categories of the ranking by sectors: other services (33.6%), manufacturing (22.9%), tourism (18.1%), commerce (17.2%) and construction (8.1%). Professionals will be hired mainly in area of goods production, service delivery (46.5%) sales areas, (13.1%) and installation/maintenance areas (9.9%). There is less demand for workers without specific qualifications (15,6%) or managers, specialists and technicians (18.3%). More than one in three (34.6%) might relate to people younger than 30. Many companies indicate that they will struggle in identifying the professionals they need (49.6%). For young foreign jobseekers, who mainly have technical skills, all of the Emilia Romagna region can be considered a fruitful territory for finding a job.

Shortages

Companies struggled in finding the desired profiles. This affected 45% of the planned hires in 2023. The intertwining of various factors and very heterogeneous situations across the territory had an impact on companies by making it difficult for them to find personnel. The 2023 data - mainly highlight the increase in the mismatch related to the lack of specific professional profiles available for company insertion, which rises to 28.4% in 2023; the share of qualitative mismatch - that is, the inadequacy of the skills possessed by candidates compared to those expected by companies -remains at 12.4% of the total planned hires.

Surpluses

In the central Emilia territory, the area with the lowest unemployment rate in 2023 is Bologna (3.8%), but also Parma (4.0%) and Ravenna (4.6%) are lower than the regional average. However, the average regional unemployment rate (5.0%) remains significantly lower than the Italian average (7.7%). Individuals looking for employment in Emilia-Romagna, a total of about 105,000 thousand people in all, are in 63.1% of cases former employees, in 23.3% former inactive individuals, and in 18.7% without work experience - 57.7% of them are women. Unemployment is higher among those with a lower level of education: 6.7% without any educational qualification, 4.7% with a diploma, and 3.7% with a degree.

Tuscany (Toscana)

With 3 661 981 inhabitants, Tuscany represented about 6.2% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Tuscany was 98.9% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 93.2%.

In 2023, more than 1 718 000 people were active in the labour market in Tuscany. 23.7% had tertiary education, 46.3% had secondary education, and 30% had primary education. The employment rate in Tuscany was 50.8 % in 2023, 4.7 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 43.8%, men had an employment rate of 58.3%, and for the youth the employment rate was 23.6%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Tuscany was 5.2% in 2023, 2.4 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Umbria

With 856 407 inhabitants, Umbria represented about 1.5% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Umbria was 79.9% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 93.2%.

In 2023, more than 384 500 people were active in the labour market in Umbria. 25.4% had tertiary education, 52.2% had secondary education, and 22.3% had primary education. The employment rate in Umbria was 48.3 % in 2023, 2.2 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and 1.4 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 41.1%, men had an employment rate of 56.1%, and for the youth the employment rate was 18.7%. The employment rates for women and men were above the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Umbria was 6% in 2023, 1.6 points lower than the national average in the same year and a decrease from 7.1% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Marche

With 1 484 298 inhabitants, Marche represented about 2.5% of the population in Italy in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Marche was 87.3% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 93.2%.

Marche is a region with a strong manufacturing base, a sector which accounts for 27.6% of the total of those employed in the region. The main products are leather and footwear, wood/furniture and textiles/clothing. Food production and mechanical manufacturing are spread over the whole territory, and the region excels in producing luxury nautical goods, electronics and machine tools. Seasonal work is mainly linked to the tourist season and to agriculture. In manufacturing, the sectors with a cyclical production pattern are food and clothing. There are four universities: the Polytechnic University of Ancona, the University of Urbino, University of Macerata and University of Camerino. In 2023, 25.3% of employees had a qualification equal to or higher than degree level. English is predominantly used in export companies. Telework is common mainly in public administration but has also been adopted for some particular profiles in more structured companies, while in small companies it is only granted in emergency situations.

In 2023, more than 675 900 people were active in the labour market in Marche. 24.4% had tertiary education, 46.2% had secondary education, and 29.3% had primary education. The employment rate in Marche was 49.4 % in 2023, 3.3 percentage points higher than the national average in Italy and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 42.6%, men had an employment rate of 56.6%, and for the youth the employment rate was 20%. The employment rates for women and men were above the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Marche was 5.1% in 2023, 2.5 points lower than the national average in the same year and a decrease from 6.2% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

For October 2024, 11 580 recruitment opportunities are expected, 43.5% of which are in industry and 56.5% in the tertiary sector. Occupations sought highly specialised and technical (1 500); clerical, commercial and service professions (4 030); specialised workers and plant operators (4 300); non-specialised profiles (1 750). 21% of the expected openings will be with a permanent or apprenticeship contract, and 79% with a fixed-term contract. The expected vacancies will concern young people under 30 in 31% of cases, and only 9% of the expected recruitment will be for graduates. For the October-December 2024 quarter, the expected number of new hires is 28 480. The recruitment figure is expected to reach 56% in the services sector and 70% in companies with fewer than 50 employees. The number of people recruited in the latter part of the year will be just over 12 000 in industry, of which 2 900 will be recruited for the construction sector.

Shortages

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find the desired profiles. The job profiles that are difficult to find are mainly specialised workers and plant operators (66.8% of cases). The percentage of difficulty in finding employment in this group rises to 84.2% for artisan mechanics, assemblers, repairers, fixed/mobile machinery maintenance workers and to 94.2% for workers specialised in producing leather, hides and footwear. For highly specialised and technical professions as a whole, recruitment difficulties are estimated in around 58% of cases. The most difficult profiles to recruit are health technicians (71.9%), engineers (69.5%), primary school and pre-school teachers (74.0%) and application design analysts and specialists (93.5%).

Surpluses

The number of unemployed stood at 34 745 (2023 ISTAT average), with women accounting for 53.3% of the total, young people aged 15-24 accounting for 17.4%, the 25-34 age group 23.2%, and the 35-49 age group 30.4%, a figure broadly in line with that for those aged 50 and over. Jobseekers are distributed over the provinces as follows: 24.9% in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, 36.2% in Ancona province, 21.3% in Macerata province, 11.2% in Ascoli Piceno province and 6.4% in Fermo province. Just under 40% of jobseekers have no more than a lower secondary school education; 47.1% have completed their secondary education and 13.8% have a tertiary education qualification (university or post-graduate). According to the administrative source data, there are no specific or significant surpluses for the main qualifications.