Shortage of skilled workers in Germany worsens even with 45.6 million people employed in March

Emmanuel Thomas, with DPA I Monday, April 17, 2023

 

BERLIN – In Germany, the shortage of skilled workers reached record proportions in 2022 despite the relatively weak economy, according to a new study.

More than 630,000 vacancies for skilled workers could not be filled last year because there were no suitably qualified unemployed people available nationwide, according to the Competence Centre for Securing Skilled Workers (Kofa) of the German Economic Institute (IW).

This was the largest gap in the supply of skilled labour since the beginning of the observation period in 2010, it noted on Sunday. The health, social services, teaching and education sectors were among those worst affected, alongside construction, architecture, surveying and building technology, where six out of 10 vacancies remained unfilled.

There was also a greater than average shortage of skilled workers in the natural sciences, geography and IT sectors. The shortage of skilled workers in commercial services, trade, sales, hotel and tourism almost tripled last year, the study said, with a good three out of 10 job openings remaining unfilled last year.

The increase here was attributed to the catchup effect following the slump triggered by the pandemic. Generally, the greater the level of qualifications required for a job or area, the harder it is to fill these posts. Employers noted a shortage of graduates in IT, electrical engineering, construction planning and supervision, with a lack of suitably qualified unemployed persons for nine out of every 10 vacancies, the study said.

The lack of suitable skilled workers has long been reflected in the labour market and it is widely acknowledged that immigration is needed to address the shortfall. In March, some 45.6 million people were employed throughout Germany, more than ever before. Despite the economic downturn, inflation and political uncertainties, skilled workers were snapped up by industry, trade and service sector employers.

“We need immigration of both labour and skilled workers,” said unemployment agency boss Andrea Nahles, noting that otherwise, vacancies would remain unfilled.