Number of unemployed increases to almost three million

The number of unemployed in Germany rose by 65,000 to 2.979 million people in July compared to the previous month. That is 171,000 more than in July 2024, the Federal Employment Agency said in Nuremberg. The unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage points to 6.3 percent compared to June.

The quota is still the highest in the city-states of Bremen (11.8 percent) and Berlin (10.3), in the southern federal states of Bavaria (4.0) and Baden-Württemberg. The Federal Agency used data material for its statistics, which was available until July 14th.

An increase to over three million, as last in February 2015, is expected by labor market experts for August. After that, however, there should be at least the chance of improvement. The labor market barometer of the Institute for Labor Market and Vocational Research had recently given hope for relaxation in autumn, regardless of numerous bad news.

“Unemployment has increased due to the beginning of the summer break. The companies are still reluctant to report new jobs and the employment subject to social security contributions hardly increases,” said the CEO of the Federal Employment Agency, Andrea Nahles.

The Federal Agency stated the number of reported vacancies with 628,000. That is 75,000 less than a year ago. A total of 991,000 people received unemployment benefit in July. 3.877 million people of working age were entitled to receive civil allowance. This also contains people who have work, but their earnings are not sufficient for a living.

On the training market, 414,000 young people at the employment agencies have been trying for an apprenticeship since October last year, 12,000 more than in the previous year. 140,000 of them were still unsupply in July. The number of training positions reported was 466,000 in July and thus by 26,000 below the previous year. 182,000 unoccupied apprenticeships were still to be conveyed in July.