Greek businesses face severe labor shortage: Survey

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Greek businesses face a severe labor shortage which has influenced all economic activity, according to a survey by Greek Exporters Association (SEVE).

More than 90% of the 118 companies that were surveyed said they were pessimistic about the state of the labor market, said the survey that was released Tuesday.

In addition, the majority highlighted the mismatch between supply and demand in the labor market and blamed it on a lack of specialization and training.

The shortage affects not only the tourism and catering sectors but a scarcity of workers has become a common problem for different-sized enterprises operating in various sectors of the Greek economy, according to the survey,

SEVE suggested a better and more effective connection between educational institutions and businesses should be established.

It noted that technical education, with a focus on future professions, should be improved and non-wage labor costs should be decreased to fix the problem.