Shortage of Skilled Workers in Germany Reaches an All-Time High

The shortage of skilled workers has risen to a new high in Germany, affecting 49.7 percent of companies in July. This finding is based on data collected in conjunction with the ifo Business Survey since 2009. The new level is much higher than the previous record of 43.6 percent, which was set in April. “More and more companies are having to cut back on business because they simply can’t find enough staff,” says Stefan Sauer, a labor market expert at the ifo Institute. “In the medium and long term, this problem is likely to become more severe.”

Service providers were hit the hardest, with 54.2 percent reporting a shortage of skilled workers, up from 47.7 percent in April. The accommodation and event industries came in above this sector average at around 64 percent. In warehousing and storage, 62.4 percent of establishments were affected. 

Over in the manufacturing sector, 44.5 percent of survey participants complained that they were short of skilled personnel. Within that group, 58.1 percent of food manufacturers were facing limitations caused by the shortage. Around 57 percent of manufacturers of data processing equipment and of metal products are also having difficulty finding qualified staff.

A total of 41.9 percent of retail businesses reported a shortage of skilled workers, as did 39.3 percent of construction companies and 36.3 percent of wholesalers.