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Pact for Skills
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The demand for language skills in the European labour market: Evidence from online job vacancies

This OECD Social, Employment and Migration working paper explores the demand for language skills across the EU and UK. English was the most commonly required language, with half job postings requiring at least some knowledge of it.

Details

Publication date
14 June 2023
Author
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Description

The OECD analysed online job vacancies in the EU27 and the United Kingdom, finding that language skills were in high demand across Europe. Fluency English was explicitly required in 22% of all vacancies, with half requiring at least some knowledge of English. German, Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese mentioned in 1% - 2% of all vacancies. The report goes into greater detail on the demand for labour skills across countries and sectors, as well as the association of language skills with other skills.

Files

7 AUGUST 2023
The demand for language skills in the European labour market