At the beginning of summer 2025, the Ukrainian labor market is demonstrating record activity: the highest number of vacancies and candidates has been recorded in a year. This season, which is usually considered a period of reduced demand for work, has seen an increase in the number of underage job seekers — their share has risen from 3% to 6%. Well-known companies, including McDonald’s, Epicenter, and Silpo, have officially announced their intention to employ individuals under 18 years old.
This is reported by Business • Media
Vacancies for Youth and Unexperienced Individuals
This summer, there are an extraordinarily high number of job offers for candidates without work experience in the Ukrainian labor market — such vacancies account for about 55% of the total. For many months, the most vacancies have consistently been offered in the field of “Labor Specialties, Manufacturing.” Seasonal fluctuations have little impact on this trend, indicating a significant shortage of personnel in this segment.
In June 2025, the number of people seeking work reached its highest level in the past two years. At the same time, for the first time since the beginning of the year, the average salary did not increase, remaining at 25,000 hryvnias.
International Cooperation and Labor Market Reform
During URC2025, Ukraine signed a number of important agreements to support and develop the labor market. The Ministry of Economy, together with representatives of employers and employees, signed a tripartite memorandum on labor market reform. The document was supported by international organizations such as the Council of Europe, the European Commission, the International Labour Organization, the World Bank, and the European Trade Union Confederation.
“The memorandum is a joint commitment of the parties to a balanced reform of the labor market, based on the values of decent work, social dialogue, and respect for dignity.”
In addition, Ukraine has become an associated member of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), which opens access to financial resources for updating labor legislation, developing employment services, and strengthening institutions in the field of social policy. In particular, the country has joined the EaSI program (Employment and Social Innovations), which has a budget of 762 million euros for 2021-2027.
Ukraine is also strengthening employment cooperation with Italy, and a joint effort with the Belgian agency Enabel is planned to modernize and enhance the resilience of the labor market and employment system.