labour shortage; labor shortage; manpower shortage
Refers to a lack of workers in a particular industry, region, or economy. Often used in economic and business contexts.
The construction industry is facing a serious labour shortage.
An increasing number of companies are accepting foreign workers to make up for the labour shortage.
人手不足 is a more common, everyday term for 'shortage of hands/manpower', while 労働不足 is slightly more formal and often used in economic or policy discussions.
Compound of 労働 (labour) + 不足 (shortage).