These are the sectors in Germany seeking skilled workers
The survey shows that in July 23.2% of German companies had problems finding skilled staff; consulting and telecommunications were most affected.
German companies are again reporting shortages of skilled staff across a number of sectors: in July 23.2% of firms reported difficulties finding qualified workers, an increase compared with 21.1% in April.
However, the current rate is below the long-term average of 31.7%, which experts link to weaker economic activity that is currently reducing companies' need to hire new staff.
Where is it hardest?
The problem is not evenly distributed across all branches. The telecommunications sector shows the largest increase — the share of companies reporting shortages rose from 16.3% in April to 31.1% in July.
The most serious situation is in consulting and auditing: in July as many as 64.7% of companies in this sector reported a shortage of skilled staff, while in April that percentage was 52.4%.
Industry has also registered an increase: in the manufacturing sector 18.7% of companies reported problems finding skilled workers, representing a rise of 4.5 percentage points compared with April.
“The weak economy is currently limiting the demand for skilled workers,” said Darija Shaler of the German Ifo Institute. She warns that if the economy begins to recover more firmly, demand for labor could grow quickly and the shortage become more pronounced.
Germany has for some time been working on measures to reduce the deficit in certain professions, and companies are increasingly relying on attracting workers from abroad to fill open positions.
Photo: Fripik
