Abstract
We use a simple yet powerful approach to investigate the dynamics of worker flows across sectors in the Spanish economy. The method imposes a minimal amount of structure on the data by assuming sector-specific matching functions, and backs out the direction of workers’ search intensities across sectors using data on realised worker flows and vacancies. We find that aggregate search intensity in Spain has been increasing since the pandemic and has led aggregate labour shortages to be below pre-pandemic levels by 2023. However, this boost of search intensity is directed to industries with low matching efficiencies and job finding rates. As a result, aggregate match formation is near to a 10-years low relative to the number of matches that would result if search intensity was allocated to maximise total matches given the observed vacancy distribution and match efficiencies across sectors.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 102328 |
| Journal | SERIEs |
| Early online date | 12 Apr 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 12 Apr 2025 |
Data Availability Statement
The data outlined in our article are obtained from the “Instituto Nacional de Estadistica” (INE) of Spain. The data on vacancies come from the “Encuesta Trimestral de Costes Laborales” (ETCL), Resultados nacionales (desde el trimestre 1/2008), Vacantes. This is public information compiled by the INE. The data on labour market flows comes from the “Encuesta de Poblacion Activa” (EPA). We requested the confidential version on labour market flows that includes a link variable. This needs to be requested to the INE and approved for scientific use. You can apply for the data through their web portal. We only provide aggregate results for the analysis, in compliance with the confidentiality agreement with the INE.Keywords
- Industry mobility
- Job search
- Labour shortages
- Mismatch
- Vacancies
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Economics,Econometrics and Finance