Beside an analysis of structural changes in the past, this paper focuses on an analysis of recent trends of productivity and labour resources in the European forest sector. The paper provides information about wages, safety and health of working places, as well as training and skills of workers. Based on these trends, the paper gives an outlook for social issues in European forestry, wood processing industry and pulp and paper industry. The analysis is linked to a discussion about possible future changes in the policy and market framework of the sector