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Miroshnychenko, president of the Confederation of Employers of Ukraine. According to him, about three million men work in the shadow market. Meanwhile, at the beginning of the year the number of new vacancies in the country exceeded even 2021’s figures, the National Bank noted. "This may indicate that businesses have largely adapted to wartime conditions and need personnel to increase activity further," the report said. However, labor supply is limited by both migration and mobilization. Surveys show that at the beginning of the year, enterprises continued to experience staff shortages.
Only 8% of employers plan to expand their staff, large businesses need the most workers. Most Ukrainian enterprises do not intend to increase their staff numbers in 2024; only 8% will hire additional employees, and only 2% indicated they are confident in implementing their plans. In 2023, 66% of the enterprises that hired workers were large businesses. Most specialists found work in energy, health care, mining, and communal services. The share of medium-sized businesses among employers was 14%, small - 12%, micro - 8%. It is noted that 34% of small enterprises and 64% of micro-enterprises have not experienced significant changes in their workforce composition. However, small enterprises usually experience greater losses in times of crisis. Due to the war, the trend in the labor market shows a lack of qualified labor; the shortage of builders, electricians, plumbers, and welders is growing in Ukraine.
4.5.3 Retail sector dynamics
Experts compare consumer purchasing attitudes in Ukraine, the EU, and the US; Ukrainians tighten their belts with technology and entertainment.
According to experts, in 2023 Ukrainians spent 66% of their monthly budget on food and other living expenses. On the other hand, in neighboring Poland only 36%, in Germany - 40%, and in the US - 33%.
So, in Europe and the US, 10-12% of consumers’ monthly budgets are being spent on purchasing electronics, household appliances, and household goods; in Ukraine, only 2%.
On average, 15-20% is spent on leisure abroad, with 2% in Ukraine. For comparison, Ukrainians spend 3% of their budget on donations and charity.
Depending on the category of goods, 41% to 77% of Ukrainians save compared to the other countries. Although the indicator is still high, there is a positive trend when compared to 2022 (47-86%). They save the least on medicines, children's goods, and the purchase of ready-made food. Most of all, they purchase clothes and shoes, household goods, cosmetics, and chemicals. 65% save on entertainment outside the home, but online entertainment is becoming more popular: 32% increased spending on TV and streaming channels
38 UKRAINE Country Report April 2024 www.intellinews.com