The German labor market has once again emerged impressively strong from a severe crisis. After months of triple steps, thanks to the opening of the economy, it is now picking up speed so strongly that, contrary to the usual seasonal pattern, unemployment even falls in the holiday month of July. This has only happened once since reunification. This development is particularly noteworthy because it is not based on the fact that more unemployed people would again take part in support measures - so-called underemployment is also falling. The upswing is simply due to the fact that more unemployed people are finally finding work. Germany is hiring again.
Even if the consequences of the Corona crisis are still clearly visible, it would not be a surprise if there were talk of the “German job miracle” again soon abroad. It's also true: Compared to other countries, Germany got through the pandemic lightly despite the sharp slump in spring 2020. Despite all the joy about the upswing, one should not lose sight of the risks for further development.
In the short term, they consist, on the one hand, of the lack of chips in the industry and, on the other hand, of the declining vaccination rate, which makes a fourth wave of infections in autumn and new restrictions more likely. It is therefore crucial to convince as many people as possible to vaccinate. On the horizon there is also a threat of polarization of the labor market due to the transformation of the economy and demographic development: with solidified unemployment, especially among the low-skilled on the one hand, and a shortage of skilled workers on the other.
That is why the subject of further training has to come into focus again now. This does not require any legal entitlement, as the trade unions demand, but more advice and transparency, and this in a very targeted manner on site so that employees and the unemployed can find the right training for them. The employment agencies and job centers already have the right tools at hand.