Ukrainian industrial enterprises are currently facing a severe labor shortage, which has become the biggest obstacle to doing business even amid issues with electricity supply. According to the results of an April survey conducted by the Institute for Economic Research and Political Consulting among 471 enterprises, less than 5% of industrialists noted corruption or pressure from the state as major barriers.
This is reported by Finway
“68% of respondents in April 2026 indicated the shortage of workers as the main problem – the highest level recorded during the monthly surveys.”
Decline in interest in hiring new employees
In April 2026, a trend towards reducing hiring plans emerged: while in March 16.6% of enterprises planned to expand their workforce in the next three months, in April only 2.5% remained. At the same time, the number of companies preparing for layoffs increased from 3.9% to 6%. The search for qualified personnel has become more difficult for 62.3% of industrial enterprises, while the lack of unskilled workers has become a problem for 35.1% of respondents.
Rising prices, security risks, and other challenges
The second most significant barrier was the rise in prices for raw materials, materials, and goods. In April, this figure jumped from 45% to 56%, marking a record high over the past year. The third position among challenges is the security situation (46%). Large enterprises (over 60%) and companies located in frontline regions suffer the most from danger: over 80% of respondents in Kirovohrad, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions consider this factor critical.
A decrease in demand for products and services has become the fourth most important problem (26%), while difficulties with logistics of raw materials and finished products in Ukraine ranked fifth (24%). At the same time, issues with electricity, water, and heat supply have been losing relevance for the third consecutive month: this indicator dropped from fourth to sixth position, accounting for 21% (down from 30% in March).
Corruption and unlawful demands from law enforcement or regulatory bodies remain less significant obstacles – only 4% of industrialists pointed to state pressure, state regulation of exchange rates, and corruption as major problems.
Previously, according to March surveys, only 3% of Ukrainian entrepreneurs rated the government’s economic policy positively.