The labor shortage is hitting fast food restaurants. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images UBS Evidence Lab economists said job openings and retirement peaks may signify an end to the labor shortage. Job gains in leisure and hospitality are also promising signs that people are getting back to work. But bottlenecks, which slow economic growth, could prolong the labor shortage, they said. See more stories on Insider's business page. The labor shortage is tough on the economic recovery.