The employee’s market has returned, but experienced workers are more in demand than newcomers.
Labor market experts associated with the Northern Chamber of Commerce in Szczecin acknowledge that recruitment has significantly increased this fall, with some sectors desperately searching for employees. While there is no shortage of labor in the general construction sector, the demand for skilled tradespeople is growing. This is also true in sectors such as retail and industry. “We are seeing an employee’s market and a specialist’s market. Welders, fitters, freight forwarders, roofers, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers are workers worth their weight in gold,” says labor market expert Dorota Siedziniewska-Brzeźniak.
Low Unemployment and Many Layoffs: A Season of Contradictions in the Labor Market
Recent statistics from the Central Statistical Office show that unemployment is not a problem in Poland. The unemployment figures for August, although the lowest for that month in 34 years, remain at the same level as in July and are slightly higher than in June of this year (4.9%).
“Both employees and employers are noticing a contradiction. On one hand, we have the lowest unemployment in many years, but on the other, there is significant news about mass layoffs and crises in several economic sectors. The labor market is booming, and the economy is in a state where we don’t need to fear a sharp rise in unemployment,” says Hanna Mojsiuk, president of the Northern Chamber of Commerce.
“Despite low unemployment in August, which is undoubtedly linked to seasonal increases in employment in tourism and gastronomy, as well as increased demand for workers in sectors such as manufacturing and construction, there has been a slight increase in the number of unemployed compared to the data from June. This is partly due to the increase in the minimum wage since the beginning of July and announcements of mass layoffs in both state-owned and private companies. However, considering the favorable economic growth prospects for the coming months, it seems that unemployment levels should remain stable,” adds attorney Łukasz Żak, a lawyer and labor market specialist.
Welders, Fitters, and Freight Forwarders in High Demand
Labor market experts acknowledge that the return of the employee’s market is evident in many areas. However, employers are changing their recruitment strategies. More experienced workers are being sought, and companies are investing less time in training new staff and adapting them to their needs.
“In sectors such as construction, transportation, and even IT, when job offers appear, it is often stated that candidates with experience in a specific position are required and ready to start work. So, we can definitely say that it is a time for employees, but also a time for ‘seniors’ rather than ‘juniors,'” says Dorota Siedziniewska-Brzeźniak, labor market expert at IDEA HR Group.
“Welders, fitters, electricians, automation specialists, locksmiths, and electricians are all in high demand. The transportation sector needs freight forwarders, and this demand is growing month by month. There are also many job offers in retail and warehouse logistics,” she adds.
Source: [managerplus.pl](https://managerplus.pl/doswiadczeni-pracownicy-na-wage-zlota-rynek-pracownika-powraca-ale-juniorzy-maja-trudniej-22809)
