EMPLOYMENT PATTERNS AND WORKFORCE STRUCTURE IN ROMANIA. EVIDENCE FROM EUROPEAN LABOUR MARKET DATA

Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania
Romania


Abstract

Understanding the framework and trends of national labour markets is essential for designing effective employment policies and supporting sustainable economic development. This study examines the labour market in Romania using secondary data provided by the European Employment Services (EURES). The research focuses on key labour market indicators, including labour force participation, sectoral employment distribution and wage developments. The analysis highlights several important structural characteristics of the Romanian labour market. Available data indicate that Romania’s employment rate remains below the average of the European Union, revealing certain structural challenges in labour market participation. Moreover, significant disparities can be observed between genders men and women, as well as among different age groups, particularly in relation to youth employment and the participation of older workers. The sectoral structure of employment shows that manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, construction and transport represent the main areas of economic activity that absorb the majority of the workforce. Another relevant characteristic of the Romanian labour market is the considerable share of employees working in large enterprises, even though micro-enterprises constitute the largest proportion of companies in the national economy. This apparent imbalance highlights structural particularities in the organization of labour and production. The findings emphasize several ongoing challenges, including workforce mobility, shortages of skilled labour, demographic pressures and regional disparities in employment opportunities. Overall, this study enhances understanding of the structural characteristics of Romania’s labour market and provides insights that could inform the design of more effective labour and employment policies.

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