Shortage of skilled workers: Due to the weak economy, fewer shortages of skilled workers

Given the weak economy, the lack of skilled workers is currently less of a problem for companies. This was the result of a survey by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce. But there is no general all-clear.

According to the survey of around 23,000 companies, 43 percent of companies are currently unable to fill vacancies, at least in part, because they cannot find suitable workers and skilled workers. This is a significant decrease of seven percentage points compared to the previous year and a decrease of ten percentage points compared to 2022.

From the companies’ perspective, the shortage of skilled workers is now only in fourth place as a business risk – ahead of it are domestic demand, economic policy conditions and labor costs.

DIHK deputy managing director Achim Dercks said: “High energy costs, economic policy uncertainties that impact investment decisions, as well as intense international competition pose major challenges for companies.” This dampens the demand for personnel and at the same time reduces labor shortages.

According to the DIHK, there is still a general shortage of workers and skilled workers across all sectors. The construction industry is still desperately looking for staff in many places. There are also problems with service providers, in mechanical engineering or with producers of data processing equipment, electrical and optical products.

Workers without completed vocational training are unsuccessfully sought, particularly in many service sectors, as the skilled workers report states. This applies, for example, to cleaning services, the security industry, transport and storage and the catering industry. “Although trained professionals play an important role in these sectors, there are also employment opportunities for people without qualifications.”