Abstract
Companies are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit not only skilled workers but also staff for simpler jobs. The economic downturn due to the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine and the associated price increases as well as supply chain problems are at best slightly slowing demand. But the bottleneck situation on the labour market could worsen: On the one hand, the transformation of an economy that is increasingly relying on digitalisation and decarbonisation will require experienced specialists. The double transformation is changing the need for qualifications, which could intensify competition on the labour market. On the other hand, demographic developments are leading to a shortage and simultaneous ageing of the labour supply. This brings the employment of older people into focus. If it were possible to keep the generally well-qualified baby boomers in employment longer, the labour and skills gap could be reduced.