OECD Economic Surveys: Denmark 2024
Following a robust recovery, growth has slowed and the economy has been running at two speeds. Headline inflation has fallen, but underlying price pressures remain high. While the public finances are robust with a budget surplus and low public debt, population ageing poses long-term risks to the social model, calling for efficiency gains at the local level. Ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and policies are in place, but further reforms are needed to advance the green transition. A reduction in barriers to working longer hours, extending working lives for young and older people, and international recruitment can help to address persistent labour shortages. The demographic, digital and green transitions will transform jobs and skills requirements, calling for an agile education and training system throughout working life.
SPECIAL FEATURE: ADDRESSING LABOUR AND SKILLS SHORTAGES
Addressing labour and skills shortages in a fast-changing economy
The Danish labour market is strong, but tensions have increased since the pandemic. The post-pandemic recovery boosted labour demand, but structural factors, such as late labour market entry by the young, changing skills requirements and obstacles to the recruitment of migrants, contribute to persistent shortages and impact the wider economy. Lowering the effective tax rate on labour income could reduce disincentives to higher working hours and to moving from part-time to full-time employment. Adapting the workplace to an ageing population and adjusting early retirement schemes could help to extend working lives. Targeting the tenth grade to students with greater learning needs, reducing student allowances and introducing an income-contingent loan system for master’s students could also encourage faster entry into the labour market. There is room to increase the recruitment of foreign-born workers, as well as improving their integration. The demographic, digital and green transitions will transform jobs and skills requirements, demanding an agile education and training system throughout the working life. Encouraging vocational education and training, notably by facilitating mobility between vocational and academic tracks, would ensure strong skills in areas where workers are lacking.
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