Challenging job hunt in Thuringia: Finding employment is proving tough at present. - Job search difficulties persist in Thuringia's labor market
Challenges Ahead for Thuringia's Job Seekers
Thuringia's labor market is experiencing a stagnation, with the number of unemployed individuals slightly decreasing by 400 to 70,300 in May, as reported by the regional office of the Federal Employment Agency. The unemployment rate has risen to 6.4 percent from 6.1 percent last year. The number of long-term unemployed has increased by 1,400 to 24,900 compared to the previous year, with approximately one-third of the unemployed individuals having been jobless for over a year.
"The prospects for unemployed individuals, particularly those with lower qualifications, finding a new socially insured employment are currently rather dim," said Markus Behrens, the director of the regional office. The persistently weak economy is causing many companies to be cautious about hiring.
Behrens expressed concern about the increasing long-term unemployment. "The longer people remain unemployed, the more difficult it becomes for them to return to the labor market," he said.
While demand for skilled workers remains high, many companies are finding it difficult to fill positions. According to the regional office, skilled worker positions remain vacant for an average of 135 days, 14 days longer than last year. In some areas like construction, the vacancy rate is even higher, with an average of almost 290 days to fill a skilled worker position. Therefore, it is crucial for employees and employers to invest time and money in further training and qualification.
Overall, 2,800 new job openings were offered in May, a decrease of 800 compared to April and an increase of 54 compared to May 2024. One-fifth of the job openings came from the service sector.
Thuringia's Employers' Association is concerned about the decrease in reported job openings. "There are still no growth impulses from the federal government that would increase the confidence of companies," said Matthias Kreft, the director of the Association of Thuringian Economy.
The challenges faced by Thuringia's job seekers are not unique to the region. The German economy is expected to stagnate in the second quarter of 2025, while unemployment rates have risen moderately[1]. The housing industry, for example, faces a shortage of young skilled workers, which can lead to constraints in related sectors[2]. East Germany, including regions like Thuringia, faces structural challenges despite catching up economically, with a lower proportion of immigrants compared to the west, which can contribute to labor shortages[5]. Additionally, the cost of living is lower, which can make it more attractive but also presents challenges in terms of investments and talent retention[5]. However, it is crucial for both individuals and businesses to invest in further training and qualification to improve job prospects.
[1] Source: German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)[2] Source: German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK)[5] Source: Berlin Institute for Population and Development (BiPD)
- In response to the persistently weak economy and increasing long-term unemployment in Thuringia, the Community policy should prioritize vocational training and education-and-self-development to equip unemployed individuals, especially those with lower qualifications, for career-development opportunities.
- The Thuringia Employers' Association urges the government to implement policies and legislation that stimulate business growth, as the current finance situation hinders companies from offering more job openings in various sectors, including the service sector.
- To address the vacancies in skilled worker positions, employers must consider investing in policy-and-legislation that encourages financial incentives for businesses providing vocational training, which not only benefits employers seeking qualified workers but also helps unemployed individuals in their job-search endeavors.
- As general-news outlets report the expected stagnation in the German economy and moderately rising unemployment rates, it is essential for both job seekers and businesses in Thuringia to stay informed and proactive in their career-development and job-search strategies, with a focus on pursuing vocational training opportunities to enhance their chances in the competitive job market.
