The number of unemployed fell only slightly in March

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Employment agency in Wiesbaden

Photo: Arne Dedert/dpa

Fewer people in Germany were unemployed in March than in February. Compared to the previous month, the number fell by 45,000 from 2.769 million, as the Federal Employment Agency (BA) announced. However, there were 176,000 more than in March of last year. The unemployment rate fell from 6.1 to 6.0 percent.

"Unemployment and underemployment did decrease in March, but less than usual this month," said BA boss Andrea Nahles, "so the economic downturn is still making itself felt on the labor market." Due to the better weather, it is common for more people to be employed in March, for example in the catering industry or in construction. However, if you exclude these seasonal effects, according to the BA, the number of unemployed has increased by 6,000 compared to February. Nevertheless, the job market continues to hold up relatively well, says Nahles.

The fundamental trends are also noticeable in underemployment. The BA uses this to describe the number of all registered job seekers - including those who are currently completing training or are on sick leave and therefore do not appear in the official unemployment figure. Overall, a seasonally adjusted 3.606 million people were underemployed in March, 10,000 more than in February and 143,000 more than in March 2023.

However, the number of employees has also recently increased despite the economic crisis. With 45.83 million people, seasonally adjusted, 16,000 more people were employed in February than in January and 199,000 more than in February 2023. In January, the BA recorded a seasonally adjusted increase in employment subject to social security contributions by 205,000 people compared to the previous year to 34.75 million people. According to the BA, this increase can be attributed solely to foreign nationals. Already in 2023, the entire increase in employment of 264,000 people was borne exclusively by foreign employees. However, the number of employees with German citizenship fell by 77,000 for demographic reasons.

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