ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF THE CURRENT STATE OF LABOR FORCEUTİLİZATİON İN AZERBAİJAN’S MANUFACTURİNG İNDUSTRY

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of labor force utilization in the manufacturing industries of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It evaluates employment levels, the sectoral and regional distribution of labor resources, the characteristics of female employment, working conditions, and the factors affecting workforce stability. The study demonstrates that the manufacturing sector plays a significant role in ensuring employment and supporting the development of the country's industrial sector. Although the number of employees in manufacturing has increased in recent years, employment levels in several industries remain considerably lower compared to the early years of independence. The findings indicate that over the past five years employment has increased in the production of food products, beverages, leather goods and footwear, paper and cardboard, rubber and plastic products, construction materials, fabricated metal products, and motor vehicles. At the same time, both the number and the share of women employed in manufacturing have risen. However, a balanced distribution of female labor across industries and regions has not yet been achieved. While several industries offer substantial opportunities for female employment, the insufficient development of these sectors limits the expansion of women's participation in the labor
market. The study also reveals that the majority of manufacturing employees are concentrated in Baku City and the Absheron-Khizi Economic Region, whereas labor resources in other economic regions are not fully utilized. This situation contributes to significant regional disparities in employment and unemployment levels. Furthermore, declining investment in manufacturing, the predominance of micro and small enterprises, relatively low wages, and inadequate working conditions are identified as key factors contributing to labor turnover. The author proposes a set of scientifically grounded recommendations aimed at accelerating the regional development of manufacturing industries, creating new jobs, ensuring a balanced distribution of male and female labor, improving working conditions, enhancing workforce stability, and expanding the statistical information base of the labor market.