There were 24,300 job vacancies in Latvia last year, which is 1,600 vacancies or 6.1 percent less than in 2022, the Central Statistical Bureau said on Friday.
In private sector there were 13,500 and in public sector 10,800 job vacancies. Over the year, the number of job vacancies in private sector decreased by 2,100 or 13.4 percent, while in public sector rose by 500 or 5 percent.
Out of the total number of jobs in Latvia (both occupied and vacant), 2.7 percent positions were vacant, of which 3.7 percent in public sector and 2.2 percent in private sector.
In 2023, compared to 2022, the average number of occupied posts in the country fell by 1,300 or 0.1 percent, in private sector by 3,700 or 0.6 percent, but in public sector increased by 2,500 or 0.9 percent.
Over the year, the number of job vacancies went down in almost all occupational groupings – mostly among office workers (18.9 percent), craft and related trades workers (17.5 percent), as well as service and sales workers, and professionals (15.5 percent).
In 2023, out of all job posts the highest share of job vacancies was registered among professionals – 4.4 percent and skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers – 3.8 percent, where demand for workers has increased, as well as among craft and related trades workers – 3.6 percent.
In 2023 the highest share of job vacancies was registered in public administration – 8.4 percent, administrative and support service activities – 4 percent, mining and quarrying – 3.3 percent, construction – 2.9 percent, transportation and storage – 2.9 percent, as well as health and social care – 2.6 percent.
Regional breakdown of the data shows that in 2023 the largest share of job vacancies was registered in Riga (3.4 percent or 20,300) and the smallest in Vidzeme (1.1 percent or 900). In Kurzeme, Zemgale and Latgale the share of job vacancies was the same – 1.4 percent (1,200, 1,000 and 900, respectively).
Among the three Baltic states, the greatest proportion of job vacancies was recorded in Latvia – 2.7 percent, followed by Estonia with 2 percent and Lithuania with 1.8 percent.
The sharpest rise in the job vacancy number over the year was observed in Lithuania (5.7 percent). In Latvia and Estonia job vacancy numbers decreased by 6.1 percent and 14 percent respectively.
Source: BNS
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