According to the Department of Home Affairs of Phu Tho province, after the merger, the province has nearly 1.9 million people of working age, the employment rate of workers reaches 50.37% of the population. Although the rate of trained workers is estimated at 73.3% (34.6% with degrees and certificates), businesses still lack human resources due to many barriers: The scale of businesses increases rapidly, workers "jump jobs", job exchanges have not met expectations, the workforce tends to shift to neighboring provinces such as Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen - where salaries and benefits are higher.
According to a survey on recruitment floors, the demand for labor recruitment at the end of the year continues to increase sharply. As early as October 2025, Vietnam Garment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TAL) plans to open 10 more production lines to serve new orders, needing to recruit 500 - 600 workers. Despite offering attractive salaries and bonuses and basic to in-depth training support, the company has only recruited nearly 200 workers.
According to Ms. Tran Thi Thu Ha - TAL's human resources manager, the mentality of job-hopping at the end of the year and the fact that businesses in the region are increasing recruitment, makes the supply small, making it difficult to retain workers.
Similarly, Heasung Vina Co., Ltd. (Khai Quang Industrial Park) announced in August to recruit 400 workers with an average salary of 9 - 10 million VND/month. Although it does not require degrees or experience, the enterprise has only recruited more than 100 workers after nearly 3 months.
Korean enterprises in Phu Tho are also in a similar situation. According to the Korea Business Association, 26 enterprises are expected to need 4,930 workers in the fourth quarter of 2025, mainly in the textile, footwear, electronic components and construction materials industries. Many workers tend to switch from long-term work to seasonal work, making it difficult for businesses to stabilize human resources.
Mr. Tran Phuong Dong - Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Federation of Labor, Deputy Head of the Trade Union of Industrial Parks of Phu Tho province - said: "The common point that many businesses have reflected is the lack of stable labor. The trade unions of industrial parks are strengthening connections and grasping recruitment needs".
According to Mr. Dong, building harmonious labor relations, improving the quality of shift meals, workers' housing, promotion opportunities, etc. will determine the ability of workers to stay long-term. To solve the problem of supply and demand, Phu Tho province is focusing on supporting businesses in recruiting, training and connecting labor; supervising the implementation of labor laws, ensuring a healthy working environment. At the same time, businesses are required to review and adjust salary policies and benefits to suit market fluctuations.
Employment Service Centers and labor supply units are also required to proactively exploit labor resources in the province, increase the signing of job introduction contracts, and promptly meet the needs of businesses.
