More than a third of Ukrainian employers record an increase in dismissals of men aged 18-22 after permission to leave
The number of laid-off men aged 18 to 22 has increased since August in 37% of surveyed employers, while 36% reported that they do not see such layoffs or have no employees in this category, and another 27% said that there are no mass layoffs or the situation remains within normal limits, goes in the Work.ua study on the state of the labor market after the permission to leave young men.
Among small businesses with up to 10 employees, only 19% faced the problem of layoffs. On the other hand, among large companies with more than 1,000 employees, 60% of respondents reported similar challenges. In September 2025, 1,091 employers participated in the study.
In terms of industries, 65% of those surveyed from the hotel and restaurant business stated the facts of layoffs, in retail trade – 59%, in the food industry – 52%, in construction and woodworking – 47%, in wholesale trade, distribution and import/export – 43%, and in transport and logistics – 31%.
As for the share of young men aged 18-22 in the labor market, it has decreased: previously their share was 35-38% among all male employees, and now it is 31%. Most often, young men are looking for work in IT, computer and Internet technologies (14%), sales and procurement (8%), as well as retail, manufacturing, secretarial/clerkship/AGV, telecommunications and communications (6% each).
Work.ua notes that employers are afraid that their mothers, wives or sisters, who previously did not plan to relocate, may go abroad with men aged 18-22. At the same time, it may contribute to the retention of young men aged 16–17 in the country. In the conditions of shortage of personnel, employers began to hire minors more willingly.
According to Work.ua, the main tools for overcoming the shortage of personnel are creating conditions for combining motherhood and work, hiring veterans, as well as overcoming prejudices against people with disabilities, ageism and other forms of discrimination.
