Almost a Quarter of Companies in Germany Have a Shortage of Skilled Workers

The shortage of skilled workers in Germany has increased again somewhat. In July, 23.2% of companies stated that they had a shortage of qualified workers, up from 21.1% in April. Despite the increase, the skilled labor shortage still remains below the long-term average of 31.7%.  “The weak economy is currently keeping the demand for skilled workers within limits,” says ifo researcher Daria Schaller. “However, as the economy makes a stronger recovery, the shortage of skilled workers is likely to increase considerably again.”

In the service sector, the share of companies that are unable to find enough skilled workers remains virtually unchanged at 25.7%. In some industries, however, it rose significantly. In telecommunications, it went up from 16.3 to 31.1%, reaching its highest level since October 2023. In legal and tax consultancy as well as in auditing, the share also went up sharply, rising to 64.7% from 52.4% previously. In trade, the shortage of skilled workers remains at a comparatively low level at 16.2%. In manufacturing, 18.7% reported a shortage of skilled workers, a noticeable increase of 4.5percentage points compared to April. The paper industry, in particular (35.0%), is finding it harder to recruit adequately trained employees. In construction, almost one in three companies (32.6%) report a shortage of skilled workers.

“More unemployed people does not automatically mean more available skilled workers,” says Schaller. “What matters is whether the qualifications match the requirements of the vacancies.”