Construction Sector Vacancies Increase 350% in a Decade
In the first quarter of 2025, the Portuguese construction sector reported 4,666 unfilled job vacancies, the highest figure recorded in the last ten years. This represents a dramatic 350% increase when compared to the same period in 2015, signaling a growing structural problem in the national labor market. The data, released by the Gabinete de Estratégia e Planeamento (GEP) of the Ministry of Labor, highlights a stark contrast between the demand for labor and the available supply of qualified workers, even as the number of occupied jobs shows modest growth.
A decade ago, in the first quarter of 2015, the number of job opportunities that went unanswered stood at 1,035. Today, that number has more than quadrupled. This surge in vacancies coincides with a period of significant activity in the sector, largely driven by public works and projects under the Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR). While the total number of workers in construction has risen by 25% over the decade, from 217,000 to 271,832, this growth has been insufficient to meet the market's needs. The result is a widening gap that is putting palpable pressure on the industry's capacity to deliver projects on schedule.
The statistics reveal a consistent trend of escalating labor shortages. The workforce remained relatively stable until 2023, when it began to increase more substantially, reaching 249,000 in the first quarter of that year and rising to over 269,000 in 2024. However, this reinforcement of the labor force has been outpaced by the growth in demand. The core of the issue, according to industry associations, is the increasing difficulty in finding qualified professionals, a problem that has become more acute as the volume of construction work expands across the country.
The inability to fill these roles is described as the "other side of the coin" to the sector's growth. While the increase in public works signifies a positive economic impulse, the lack of available workers means the industry is struggling to respond effectively to all contractual demands. This labor deficit is not merely a numerical issue but reflects a deeper challenge related to professional qualifications and the attractiveness of the sector for a new generation of workers. The GEP's report underscores that the current situation is the most challenging it has been in a decade, with thousands of positions across various skill levels remaining open.
This trend of rising vacancies and a persistent lack of skilled labor presents a significant operational hurdle for construction companies and developers. The inability to secure an adequate workforce can lead to project delays, increased operational costs, and potential difficulties in meeting the tight deadlines associated with large-scale infrastructure projects, including those financed by European funds. The data from the Ministry of Labor serves as a clear indicator of the structural imbalances that the Portuguese construction sector must address to ensure its sustainable growth and its ability to execute the ambitious projects planned for the coming years. Monitor new development opportunities at realestate-lisbon.com.
