Labourers in mining, construction, manufacturing and transport – EU employment forecast

Preliminary forecast

−1.2 %Fewer people employed 2025–2027

People employed (million)

Method and sources

Eurostat statistics show how many people work in this occupational group in the 27 EU countries. The statistics cover people aged 15 and over. AltoTrail compares employment trends over 2022–2025 to produce a preliminary forecast for 2026 and 2027.

The calculation starts from the latest observed level and the trend over that period. We extend the trend, but gradually weaken it. An earlier increase or decrease is therefore assumed to continue at a slowing pace.

We compared this method with other simple calculations in a limited test of forecasts one year ahead. There is not yet enough evidence to assess how accurate the two-year forecast will be.

The number of people employed is not the same as the number of vacancies. Employers may also need to replace people who leave or retire. Those needs and future effects of AI are not estimated here.

Trends may differ between occupations within the group.

Latest statistical year: 2025

Source updated: 2026-09-10

Forecast calculated: 2026-10-23

Eurostat employment statistics

How the statistics are collected