PROBLEMS AND TERRITORIAL DISPARITIES OF THE LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT IN UKRAINE: IMPROVING THE LONG-TERM POLICY

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to identify problems and substantiate priorities for the regulation of employment and territorial labour markets in Ukraine in the conditions of combining a number of socio-economic global, macro-regional (pan-European) and national challenges. Methodology. The study summarises and analyses the country-wide and territorial problems of the labour use and reproduction in Ukraine. It then synthesises the approaches to overcoming these problems through improving the employment organisation, regulation and efficiency. The main results include: a study of the current methodological foundations for the formation and regulation of the national labour market and its territorial components; identification of deep and urgent problems in the functioning of the employment sector, sectoral and territorial labour markets of Ukraine, as well as in their management; identification of approaches to the modernisation of territorial labour markets, the State Employment Service of Ukraine and its regional offices, consistent with the principles and practices of labour and employment management in developed countries of the European macro-region; substantiation of mechanisms and strategic priorities for a comprehensive solution to the problems of diversifying and balancing territorial economic systems, stimulating productive employment, increasing the labour potential of the population, ensuring decent working conditions, and preventing the outflow of skilled labour from Ukraine. The study's practical implications are determined by the development of approaches to formulating a systemic strategy for overcoming the consequences of the martial law period. Such an approach should also modernise the economy and balance the proportions of the economy's territorial proportions, increase the competitiveness of national enterprises and workers, and fulfil Ukraine's European integration aspirations. Value / Originality. The study demonstrated the pivotal function of enhancing the efficacy of labour and employment territorial regulation mechanisms in implementing a successive strategy for sustainable economic, innovative and social development of Ukraine. This strategy aims to enhance the quality of the population's labour potential, ensure the replenishment of human capital, and fortify the resilience of national business entities and communities (hromadas).