In August, the number of unemployed people in Germany increased to 2.872 million. The rise is likely due to seasonal factors, with the unemployment rate now at 6.1 percent. However, there is good news regarding the number of applicants for apprenticeships.
The number of unemployed people in Germany rose by 63,000 in August compared to July, reaching 2.872 million. Compared to August of the previous year, this represents an increase of 176,000, according to the Federal Employment Agency in Nuremberg. The unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points to 6.1 percent compared to July. The Federal Agency’s statistics were based on data available up to August 14.
“The job market continues to feel the effects of economic stagnation. Unemployment and underemployment increased further during the summer break,” said the chairwoman of the Federal Employment Agency, Andrea Nahles.
The demand for labor in companies is also declining. In August, 699,000 job vacancies were reported to employment agencies, 72,000 fewer than a year ago.
Short-time work is on the rise. Reliable data on the actual use of short-time work is available up until June. In that month, the Federal Agency paid short-time work benefits to 232,000 employees due to economic conditions. In May, it was 215,000, and in April, 223,000.
More young people are applying
The apprenticeship market appears more favorable. From October 2023 to August 2024, 418,000 young people registered as applicants for an apprenticeship position. This is 10,000 more than in the same period last year. In August, 82,000 of them had neither found an apprenticeship nor an alternative.
At the same time, of the total 502,000 apprenticeship positions, 158,000 were still unfilled. The Federal Agency noted that the number of unplaced applicants and open apprenticeship positions would significantly decrease by the end of September, as the market remains dynamic.
