Over the past twelve months, the number of people employed in the manufacturing sector in Germany has fallen by approximately 120,000. While 6.79 million people were employed in manufacturing in January 2024, according to the projections of the Federal Employment Agency, the figure in January 2025 was 6.67 million. This means that employment in this field has now been falling month-on-month since August 2023. In this context, there have been especially strong falls in headcounts at small and medium-sized businesses with fewer than 250 employees.

Customers are currently unable to change their address or account details in eServices online. This is due to unauthorised third parties having gained access to customers’ personal end devices, and not to the IT systems at the Federal Employment Agency. A “technical maintenance page” has therefore been activated for the area of personal data in all the online accounts of the Federal Employment Agency (BA).

A muted spring upturn

Traditional gender roles can be difficult to overcome. There are still numerous occupational fields in Germany in which both women and men are significantly underrepresented. Too few men work in nursing, for example, while there aren’t enough women in technical roles.

Germany’s “Vocational Training Week” starts on 24th March. In a variety of campaigns, federal employment agencies, Jobcenters, careers advice centres for young people as well as their partners will drum up support for in-company vocational training.

The labour market for qualified childcare and early years education staff

International Women’s Day on 8 March

A positive response to the digital parents’ evenings

Poorly-performing economy remains evident

The end of the month marks the third anniversary of the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The weak economy is having an increasing impact

Citizen’s benefit recipients can now use a new app to submit documents to their Jobcenter, check the status of their application for citizen’s benefit and update their information.

• In 2024, the number of appeals decreased while the number of lawsuits was slightly up
• The rate of appeals against Jobcenters operated as joint institutions was approximately 1.8 percent

Foreign employees represent an integral element to achieving higher employment levels

Economic stagnation has a considerable impact on the labour market

An increase in unemployment, although largely for seasonal reasons

“The Family Benefits Office is implementing the new rates immediately and will pay them on schedule in January,” said Martina Rauch, Head of the BA Family Benefits Office. “The increases in the Child Benefit and the Child Allowance are an important contribution to the financial support for families.”

Together with its two partners from the field of social insurance, the German Pension Insurance Association (DRV) and the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is taking another major step forward in the cloud-based transformation of public administration.

Poor economic growth hampers the labour market

More than 1.1 million persons with disabilities are currently in gainful employment in Germany. Accessing the labour market is often more difficult for people in this category than it is for people without disabilities, however.

The Board of Directors today approved the budget of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) for 2025, which is made up of employers’ and employees’ contributions to unemployment insurance.

The reformed Skilled Immigration Act took effect a year ago: initial figures show that it has had a positive impact.

The gap between registered applicants and vacancies has become smaller

Very few signs of an autumn upturn

Under the motto "Inclusion works", the Inclusion Award for Business is honours four companies from Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia for their exemplary training and employment of people with disabilities.

“Unemployment and underemployment fell in September, but by much less than usual this month. The autumn recovery in the labour market is therefore off to a slow start this year,” Andrea Nahles, CEO of the Federal Employment Agency of Germany (BA), said today at the monthly press conference in Nuremberg.

In Germany, the number of employees aged between 55 and the normal pension age limit who are subject to social security contributions has increased significantly for more than ten years. Their number peaked in December 2023 and has almost tripled since December 2000.

Despite the slowing economy, the trade industries are still suffering from a significant shortage of skilled workers.

Register modernisation is a key milestone on the road to a modern, digital state. The goal of the project is to ensure that citizens only have to submit their data and supporting documents once when applying for administrative services, implementing the “once only principle”.

The BA is able to support employees who have lost their jobs with finding a new job so that they don’t have to experience unemployment. The sooner people tell their local federal employment agency that their job is coming to an end, the better. Those who make sure that they register as a jobseeker in good time can also avoid financial disadvantages caused by a suspension of benefits.

lacklustre period continues through the summer holiday season

Pupils from lower secondary schools face particular challenges in securing an apprenticeship position. They have to compete with school leavers who have higher-regarded school leaving certificates.  But it isn’t too late: young people seeking an apprenticeship position can still find one.

unemployment increases more strongly than usual for the time of year

Secure digital identification for the services of the  Federal Employment Agency and Family Benefits Offices

• The median wage increased to 3,796 euros per month in 2023
• The gender pay gap is €367, which is almost the same level as in the previous year
• Highest wages in Hamburg, lowest in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

The Federal Employment Agency has published its annual report on the labour market situation regarding persons registered as having a severe disability.

From now on, families no longer need to take the initiative and apply for Child Benefit themselves after the birth of their child.

The Administrative Board of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) has elected Christina Ramb as its new Chair with effect from 1st July 2024. Christina is a member of the Executive Board of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA).

Lacklustre development continues

In the coming year, the 400 Jobcenters in Germany are facing major challenges: the lacklustre economic performance is causing unemployment to rise. People who are long-term unemployed are currently finding it particularly difficult to find a new job. In addition to this are the existing challenges in supporting refugees with their language learning, further training and integration into work.

In the course of its digital transformation, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is harnessing the potential provided by AI and automated processes. In this way, it is relieving its staff of routine tasks.

•Number of bottleneck occupations falls slightly from 200 to 183 occupations 
•Shortages in roughly one in seven skilled occupations 
•Half of registered job vacancies are in bottleneck occupations 
•Only one in four unemployed skilled workers is seeking a job in a bottleneck occupation

A genuine improvement is yet to occur

Go and vote – for democracy, diversity and tolerance 

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) has digitised key steps in the approval process for admission to the labour market. This benefits both employers and foreign employees and skilled workers. The digital exchange of data between the public authorities involved should help to reduce bureaucracy.

From 27th May to 29th May, the BA is organising its Digital Action Days for the second time as part of its Job Turbo initiative, with the goal of bringing job-seeking refugees and businesses together. Refugees can meet with different employers online and learn about opportunities for entry-level, internship and qualification roles in person in just one hour.

More and more foreign nationals are completing an apprenticeship in Germany. The share of apprentices subject to social insurance contributions from countries other than Germany has been growing steadily for several years. While 6.3 percent of apprentices were foreign nationals in October 2013, 10 years later, in October 2023, this figure had risen to 13.2 per cent. 

Health care facilities in Germany have been suffering from a shortage of qualified nurses for years. Among all occupational groups with a staff shortage, qualified nurses are at first place. To counter this shortage, it is worth taking a look at who is entering this profession in Germany.

Every year, government ministries, public authorities, businesses and trade unions join forces to promote vocational training in Germany with the “Summer of Vocational Training”.

Spring upturn remains subdued

How can girls, on the one hand, be encouraged to take up the technical occupations which also support the completion of the energy transition? And on the other hand, how can boys be convinced to work in fields traditionally dominated by women – such as nursery schools or care?  On 25th April, Girls’ Day and Boys’ Day is taking place throughout Germany. The day enables girls all over Germany to gain an insight into male-dominated occupations. For boys the reverse applies.

•  Number of cuts in benefits increased last year

•  84.5 per cent of cuts in benefits were due to the failure to attend appointments 

•  Approximately 97 per cent of those entitled to benefits remain unaffected by cuts in benefits

A subdued start to the spring revival

On 1st April 2024, the new provisions of the Act to Strengthen Vocational Training and Continuing Education (AWBG) take effect. In addition to reforming the funding for continuing education for employees and the introduction of a training allowance, the vocational training guarantee is also a key topic.

On 1st April 2024, the new provisions of the Act to Strengthen Vocational Training and Continuing Education take effect. A new benefit for the area of employee qualification is launched: Qualifizierungsgeld, aka the Skills Development Benefit.

 International Women’s Day on 8th March

On Monday, “Vocational Training Week” gets underway in Germany. In a variety of campaigns, federal employment agencies, Jobcenters, careers advice centres for young people as well as their partners will drum up support for in-company vocational training and provide information about the opportunities it offers to both young people and businesses.

The labour market in February 2024 – robust, despite signs of continued economic weakness

The second stage of the new Skilled Immigration Act enters into effect on 1st March. One component is known as the “short-term quota-based employment”, which supplements the Skilled Immigration Act. This enables employers to hire foreign workers at short notice during busy periods.

The second stage of the new “Skilled Immigration Act” enters into effect on 1st March. In the future, experienced foreign skilled workers will be able to take up employment more easily.

The year starts in the normal way with rising unemployment

From 30th January until 1st February, as part of the Job Turbo initiative, the BA is holding Digital Action Days with the goal of bringing job-seeking refugees together with businesses throughout Germany that are currently recruiting. Refugees who have completed their integration course will have the opportunity to meet with different employers online and learn about the available employment and training opportunities. 

•    Number of lawsuits fell again in 2023; slight increase in appeals
•    Appeals rate in Jobcenters operated as joint institutions approximately 1.7 percent
 

German department store chain Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof today filed to reopen insolvency proceedings at the District Court in Essen.

Weak economic growth affects labour market development

Seasonal rise in unemployment

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) is officially opening its new online portal, “mein NOW”, on 01.01.2024. Its goal is to offer people in working life, employers and providers of further education a central access point for the topic of further vocational education – which is available on the internet.

Low-income families to receive an increased Child Allowance

The Chairpersons of the administrative board of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) on the cost-cutting plans of the German federal government

Companies can apply now

As of 1 January 2024, the standard support needs in Basic Income under the second volume of the Social Code (SGB II) will be adjusted. The annual amount was decided by the legislator. All beneficiaries will receive their benefits from the Job Centre in time and in the correct amount.

Weak development continues

Access to the labour market is often more difficult for people with disabilities than for those without disabilities. In the week leading up to the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December, the Federal Employment Agency will start a campaign week on 27th November to raise awareness of the potential of people with disabilities.

On 18th November, the first stage of the new “Skilled Workers Immigration Act” takes effect. It means that a lower salary threshold will apply to workers who enter the country via the “Blue Card” scheme. Skilled workers from non-regulated occupations whose foreign qualifications are recognized in Germany are now allowed to work in other fields as well.

The administrative board today approved the budget for 2024, focusing on securing skilled workers by investing more in vocational training, investing in digitalisation and automation and building up some financial reserves. This has become possible again for the first time since the pandemic came to an end.

Increasing matching problems, but a stable situation overall

 Autumn revival remains weak

Shortages of labour and skilled workers, the imminent retirement of the baby boomer generation and the growing demands of an ageing society in terms of health care and nursing care present huge challenges for the welfare state. The three heads of Germany’s leading social insurance providers discussed solutions for the welfare state of the future with members of the Bundestag in Berlin today and made specific proposals.

Following the “Summer of Vocational Training 2023”, the partners of the “Alliance for Vocational Training and Continuing Education” are jointly calling for young people to take advantage of the opportunities offered by a late placement.

Muted autumn revival due to weak economic growth

In the past three years, the number of shortage occupations in the skilled trades has increased. The BA now identifies a shortage of skilled workers in one in three skilled trades.

From 25th to 29th September, the BA is organising a nationwide week of digital parents' evenings. The week allows young people and their parents to learn about the apprenticeship and dual studies opportunities at over 70 companies from 16 sectors on a virtual basis.

Weak economic situation intensifies the usual effects of the summer break

Currently, some 228,000 registered apprenticeships are still unfilled. Young people therefore still have a wide range of apprenticeships to choose from.

The number of employees in the digital sector subject to social security contributions crossed the million mark for the first time.

Those who apply for an apprenticeship now still have a good chance of finding one. From October 2022 to July 2023, 509,000 in-company apprenticeship positions were registered with the Federal Employment Agency, 228,000 of which are currently still unfilled. The careers advisors offer young people guidance on how to be successful in their search for an apprenticeship and provide support with a placement.

Weak economy leaves its mark

• Median remuneration increased to 3,646 euros in 2022
• Gender pay gap is 365 euros and is decreasing only slowly
• Highest remuneration in Hamburg, lowest in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

In order for companies to receive short-time working allowances for their employees, certain conditions must be met.

For good funding for job centres

Recognisable effects of weak economic development

The Administrative Board of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) elected Anja Piel as its chairwoman at mid-year. She is a member of the Federal Executive Board of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB)

Numerous crucial regulations for the Citizen’s Income will come into force in summer 2023. In particular, the integration process and issues relating to further education and training will be further developed. Other changes include additional instruments such as holistic support and the jointly created cooperation plan, which support trusting cooperation “on equal terms”. There will also be an increase in tax allowances for employed people.

Today, the Bundestag got the Skilled Immigration Act off the ground. It is intended to improve the immigration of skilled and other workers.

The special provisions for receiving short-time allowance will expire on 30 June 2023.

Those who come to Germany as refugees face many challenges. At the job centres, these people are given the requisite know-how to enter the labour market and society. Since 2012, the number of employed people from the countries of asylum origin has increased sevenfold.

New features in the customer app, optimised appointment booking online, e-services for people undergoing rehabilitation: the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is expanding its online services and contributing to digital and social participation for citizens.

• Number of bottleneck occupations rises from 148 to 200
• Shortage in one in six skilled occupations
• In 2022, bottleneck occupations accounted for half of the registered skilled vacancies
• Unemployed less likely to seek bottleneck occupations

Stable despite weak economic development

The Federal Employment Agency is supporting the “#positivarbeiten” initiative, which works to prevent discrimination against persons who are HIV positive in the world of work.

The Administrative Board of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) has proposed Daniel Terzenbach to be reappointed to Executive Chair of the Regions at the BA. This proposal requires the approval of the German federal government.

Both in the long term and during the Corona pandemic, the employment of nurses has grown at a higher rate than total employment.

Spring upturn remains weak

It seems that they simply aren’t interested: apprenticeship occupations in which very few girls decide to work. On the one hand, how can girls be encouraged to take up the technical occupations which also support the completion of the energy transition?

According to the currently available data, in companies with at least 20 staff roles, in 2021, some 1,111,271 persons with a severe disability were employed with full social insurance contributions.

•    Number of reductions has fallen again in the past year
•    Approximately 97 percent of those entitled to benefits remain unaffected by reductions

“The labour market remained robust in March. However, the weak economy is leaving its mark: the spring upturn has been only limited,” said Andrea Nahles, Chairwoman of the Federal Employment Agency (BA), on the occasion of the monthly press conference in Nuremberg today.

In the current “Vocational Training Week”, together with labour market partners, employment agencies and youth employment agencies are advertising in-company vocational training opportunities. And the BA itself is also seeking new recruits as an employer.

On Monday, “Vocational Training Week” gets underway in Germany. In a variety of campaigns, federal employment agencies, Jobcenters, careers advice centres for young people as well as their partners will speak in favour of in-company vocational training and provide information about the opportunities it offers to both young people and businesses.

The current significant shortage of skilled workers in Germany can only be countered effectively with both the correct policy measures and cooperation between the differing educational sectors. Such was the outlook shared by Andrea Nahles, Chair of the Executive Board of the Federal Employment Agency (BA), and Professor Peter-André Alt, President of the Conference of University Rectors (HRK) at their meeting in Berlin last Tuesday.

International Women’s Day on 8th March

Stable despite weak economy

The week of digital parents’ evenings, which the Federal Employment Agency (BA) carried out for the first time on 6th February, has met with a strong response. In total, parents and children in around 8,000 households used the one-hour digital information evenings to find out about the well over 50 different companies and their training opportunities.

Because of higher prices, inflation and increased energy costs, the Federal Government decided to introduce further benefits in addition to child benefit and child bonus.

For two years, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) has been providing customers with up-to-date information on unemployment insurance and useful functions, directly on their smartphones, with the app “BA-mobil”. The service will be further developed this year.

Since the beginning of 2023, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) has been exchanging data electronically with the statutory health insurance schemes. 

To make it easier for families to apply for Child Benefit and the Child Allowance in the future, the Family Benefits Office of the BA is steadily expanding its digital offering. In this way, it is fulfilling its legal mandate according to the German Online Access Act (OZG).

When foreign workers leave Germany, they leave gaps in the German labour market. A study by the Institute for Applied Economic Research (IAW) which was commissioned by the BA has shown that the outward migration is frequently associated with issues relating to employment and the right of residence.

• The number of appeals and complaints fell again in 2022
• Appeals rate in joint institutions amounts to approximately 1.5 percent
 

At the start of the new year, the Citizen’s Income will replace Unemployment Benefit II and Social Benefit - however, the benefits will continue as usual. The standard support requirements increased as of January 2023 will be paid out on time and automatically. For the purposes of the introduction of the Citizen’s Income no new application must be made. However, if the current grant period ends, an application for the extension of the grant must be made, as before.

In compliance with its legal mandate, the German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, BA) is extending its digital services in accordance with the Online Access Act (Onlinezugangsgesetz, OZG).

More Child Benefit for families

The Family Benefits Office of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) and the German Association of Working Mothers (VBM) are launching a new cooperation with immediate effect. In this way, they want to provide even more comprehensive support and advice to all families and forms of family regarding family-related benefits and participation.

The new federal ESF Plus programme provides support with qualifications, training and employment with social security contributions

Since 2017, family benefits offices in German public authorities have been able to permanently transfer their child benefit cases to the Federal Employment Agency (BA) Family Benefits Office. Since then, the BA Family Benefits Office has assumed responsibility for payments to over two million children from more than 19,500 public sector institutions. For those entitled to child benefits, a friction-free, unbureaucratic assumption of responsibility was ensured at all times.

People with disabilities continue to have a harder time on the labour market than those without. It takes longer for them to find their way out of a period of unemployment. On the occasion of the International Day of People with Disabilities on 3rd December, the alternating Chairs of the Administrative Board of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) called for the continued provision of active support for inclusion.

Stable, but the difficult current situation is clearly having an impact

On 1st January 2023, the Citizen’s Income is to replace Basic Income Support. This was decided today by the German Bundestag and Bundesrat. The Citizen’s Income is to be introduced in two steps. In the first step, the standard rate will be increased at the beginning of the year and a minimum claims limit will be introduced. In the second step, the key elements surrounding further training and qualification are set to be introduced mid-year.

Unemployed people with severe disabilities are not benefiting as much as other unemployed people from the fact that the labour market is recovering from effects caused by the pandemic. The Federal Employment Agency is calling for more focus on these people’s strengths with the upcoming Persons with Disabilities Week.

Joint press release of the Alliance for Education and Training

The Administrative Board today established the budget for the year 2023. Despite the challenging economic climate, the BA is currently able to present a balanced budget.

Further decrease in number of applicants, making it difficult to fill vacancies

Robust situation despite weakening economy

Attracting skilled workers through migration: pilot project between the Federal Ministry for Development and Deutsche Bahn takes shape

With the assumption of office of Dr. Katrin Krömer on 1 October the new board of the Federal Employment Agency is complete. With immediate effect, Krömer will be responsible for the departments of Human Resource Management, Organisational Development, Controlling, Infrastructure and Purchasing.

Even after 32 years of German unity, there are still significant differences between east and west. For example, in eastern Germany, women’s median pay has already been above that of men for years. In the west the opposite is true. Overall, median pay continues to be substantially lower in eastern Germany than in the west. The fundamental trend is of decreasing differences – albeit only a slow decrease

The Federal Government has passed a resolution for simplified access to short-time work and now additionally stipulated that temporary workers can be similarly supported from 1 October 2022 until 31 December 2022.

Situation still stable overall, despite the difficult environment

The Federal Government has passed a resolution for the extension of the facilitations of access for the receipt of short-time working benefit up to the end of the year.

A jury consisting of administration, IT and scientific experts awards second place to the Federal Employment Agency in the category of “Sustainability through digitalisation”.

A robust development despite uncertainties

Those who apply for an apprenticeship now still have a good chance of finding one. Careers advisors provide young people with orientation during their successful search for a training company and provide support with a placement.

On 1 August 2022, Andrea Nahles took up her post as Chairwoman of the Federal Employment Agency (BA). She succeeds Detlef Scheele, who after seven years has retired from the Board of the BA for reasons of age.

Further increase in unemployment due to inclusion of Ukrainian refugees

• Median remuneration climbed in 2021 to 3,516 euros • Gender pay gap is dwindling, but still amounts to 373 euros • Disparity between western and eastern Germany has become less pronounced, but still stands at 619 euros • Highest wages in Hamburg, lowest in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania

The Administrative Board of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) has elected Christina Ramb as its Chairperson. She is a member of the Executive Board of the German Employers's Association (BDA).

The German cabinet has adopted a regulation to prolong easy access to short-time allowances.

High unemployment figures due to registration of Ukrainian refugees

Even people over 18 may receive child benefit, so place your application early and submit documentary evidence

On 27 May 2022, shortly after the adoption of the Heizkostenzuschussgesetz [Heating Costs Act], the Sofortzuschlags- und Einmalzahlungsgesetz [Upfront and One-Time Payment Act] was announced. These laws allow payment of relief to children, young people and adults who draw benefits from the Familienkasse [Family Benefits Institution], the Employment Agency or the Job Centre.

Peter Adrian, President of the DIHK [German Chamber of Industry & Commerce], Dr. Rainer Dulger, President of the BDA [German Employers' Association], and Detlef Scheele, Chairman of the BA [Federal Employment Agency] took the opportunity of the Career Guidance Day of Action to promote career advice and counselling for the ideal path to dual training. The campaign is part of the Summer of Vocational Training run by the partners of the Alliance for Initial Vocational and Further Training.

still buoyant despite Ukraine War

From June 1, persons who have fled from the Ukraine since February 2022 will be given assistance by the Job Centres. They will then transfer from the AsylbLG [Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act] to SGB II [Basic Provision for Jobseekers].

With immediate effect, after the birth of a baby, child benefit can now be applied for entirely electronically by means of an ELSTER certificate. The thus paperless procedure helps cut down on red tape, is sustainable, and reduces costs.

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) has concluded a further placement agreement with a non-EU state following the new Immigration Act for Skilled Workers. It creates the basis for the recruitment and placement of nursing staff from Jordan for hospitals, clinics and nursing facilities in Germany via the Federal Employment Agency.

• The number of employees also rose during the pandemic • The shortage of skilled personnel remains quite severe • The BA is promoting retraining and is entering into cooperation agreements on fair migration

Young people have good opportunities on the training market this year – but they need to seize them: At #AusbildungKlarmachen, the BA offers an easy online entry into vocational orientation and training.

Vanessa Ahuja has officially been in office since 1 May 2022. On 2 May 2022, she assumed her post at the Nuremberg headquarters of the Federal Employment Agency (BA).

Joint press release

The recovery continues, despite the war in Ukraine

The Girls’ Day and Boys’ Day is taking place throughout Germany on Thursday, 28th April 2022.

In Nuremberg today, the Administrative Board of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) passed the necessary resolutions for a reorganisation of its Executive Board.

War in Ukraine currently not having much impact

The legislator has decided to extend the special arrangements regarding short-time work until 30th June 2022. The amendment to the law includes simpler access to the short-time allowance, the entitlement to receive increased rates of benefits, as well as opportunities to earn additional income during periods of short-time work.

Joint Press Release

On Monday, “Training week” gets underway in Germany. In a variety of campaigns, job centres and careers advice centres for young people and their partners will raise the profile of in-house training and provide information on the opportunities that it offers to young people and businesses.

70 years of the BA: challenges in the anniversary year

"The upward trend in the labour market continued until February. However, the current indicators still fail to depict the Russo-Ukrainian War,“ said Detlef Scheele, Chairman of the Federal Employment Agency (BA), at today's monthly press conference in Nuremberg.

In addition to its personal and phone consultations, the BA has launched an interactive supplementary service, with more than 150,000 video calls being made since the autumn of 2020. This service will continue even after the end of the pandemic.

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) is working to encourage fair access to the German labour market for people from Germany, the EU and other countries in a variety of ways. Together with its EURES network partners, for example, it is creating a digital and face-to-face Europe-wide offering for jobseekers and businesses.

Last year, the Federal Employment Agency’s (BA) Family Benefits Office was confronted with pandemic-related challenges. In addition to child benefit and the child allowance, both this year’s child bonus and the children’s leisure bonus were paid out to a significantly higher number of families.

Despite mitigation measures still on path to recovery

Notwithstanding the difficult conditions caused by the pandemic over the past year, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) has succeeded in further increasing the recruitment of skilled workers from abroad.

The Federal Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs (BMAS), the Federal Employment Agency (BA), and the Executive Board of the BA have agreed to commit themselves more strongly to continue their efforts to provide education and training to young adults. The "Start the Future" ("Zukunftsstarter") initiative is to continue from January 2022 until the end of 2025.

• The number of appeals and complaints fell by almost a fifth in 2021 • Appeals rate in joint institutions amounts to approximately 1.6 percent

Labour market recovers in second year of the coronavirus pandemic

Seasonally-adjusted fall in unemployment also at the end of the year

More money for families with low incomes

The extension until 31 March 2022 per Short-Time Work Compensation Extension Regulation, the Act to Consolidate Preventive Vaccinations Against COVID-19, and amendments to further regulations in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic eased access to short-time work compensation, eligibility for higher benefits, and supplementary jobs during short-time work.

From the start of 2022, customers will be able to register online as unemployed using the ID card electronic verification feature. This new eService is a further digital innovation, offering an alternative to prior compulsory personal unemployment registration.

The BA has signed its second mediation agreement with a non-EU state in accordance with the new Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz [Skilled Worker Immigration Act].

Still on the way to recovery

People with disabilities still face more obstacles in the labour market than those without. The severely disabled unemployed, for example, are less likely to find a job on the mainstream labour market than people who are not severely handicapped.

The job centres remain open as usual even in times of high infection rates.

The administrative board of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) today adopted its budget for 2022. It is on this basis that the BA will be able to provide the necessary support for training, employment and qualifications in the upcoming year.

Joint Press Release

The vocational training market is still strongly affected by the pandemic, but looking brighter

The positive development continues

For 50 years, the Federal Employment Agency has been advising and supporting German experts as they start their career at international organisations such as the United Nations or the European Union. On 1st October 1971, the Office for Managers at International Organizations (BFIO), based at the Federal Employment Agency’s International Placement Service (ZAV), commenced its work.

The Federal Employment Agency is striving for deeper cooperation with Indonesia

Good development continues

Another marked improvement in spite of the summer break

Federal Employment Agency signs placement agreement with Indonesia

Further significant improvement

more than 1.5 million child benefit cases switch over to the Federal Employment Agency’s family benefits office

• Smallest increase in wages since 2009 • In the manufacturing and hospitality sectors, the median is even falling • The coronavirus effect in relation to the median wage might be 69 euros • Differences between east and west are falling, but are still clear

Anja Piel took over the chair of the administrative board of the Federal Employment Agency in the middle of the year. She is a member of the Federal Executive Board of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB).

Significant improvement

The BA is encouraging digital participation

Joint press release

First signs of improvement

Digital teaching units support young people in discovering their future paths

More employees now in care professions

Sustained spring recovery reduces unemployment

150 euros each will be paid in May 2021

Demographic change, structural change and digitalisation are making the qualification of employees increasingly important. The BA can support companies by providing training guidance and subsidies for course costs and wages.

New website brings together information and offers

Main reason being the Corona pandemic

Spring revival despite rising infection figures

This year, those entitled to child benefit will once again receive a one-off payment, this time in the amount of €150.

The partners in the Alliance for Initial and Further Training decide upon a “Joint action to support training companies and young people in the coronavirus pandemic”

The corona pandemic is also having an impact on the vocational training market. The Executive Board and Administrative Board of the Federal Employment Agency are therefore calling for joint efforts to bring companies and young people together.

Joint press release by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Federal Employment Agency

The Labour Market continues to withstand the Lockdown

Record Spending in 2020

With the introduction of the new customer app “BA-Mobil”, customers of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) can address their unemployment insurance needs by contacting their local employment agency even faster and around the clock.

Robust Development Despite Lockdown

Family Fund Reports Positive Balance Sheet

Number of appeals and complaints fell again in 2020 - Appeal rate in joint institutions at 2.3 percent

Labour Market under Heavy Pressure due to Corona Crisis

Short-time work is stabilising, seasonally adjusted unemployment continues to decline

More Money for Families with Lower Incomes

Starting in January the highest increase in child benefits since 2010 will take place

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) and DIHK Service GmbH are launching “Hand in Hand for international Talents”, a new project to attract skilled workers from Brazil, India and Vietnam to Germany.

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) is using the International Day of People with Disabilities as an opportunity to promote inclusion in the workplace. The BA budget for next year includes € 2.7 billion to support people with disabilities.

Further seasonally adjusted decline in unemployment despite partial lockdown

The Administrative Board of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA) today adopted the budget for 2021. At the same time, the committee temporarily approved up to 5,500 additional employees.

Three women head the Administrative Board of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit

Committed to strengthening vocational orientation in upper secondary schools

corona crisis leads to clear backlog

The corona crisis has clearly left its mark but improvements can be seen

Labour market drawing closer together in the east and west

Effects of the corona crisis still clearly visible despite slight improvement

The Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Hubertus Heil, has been holding meetings with the BA’s administrative board, board of directors, general staff council and employees to discuss the special challenges presented by the corona pandemic.

An independent jury of digitisation experts from business, science and the media has recognised the Federal Employment Agency (BA) for setting new standards for the benefit of society

Family welfare office gives a positive intermediate assessment.

no corona-related rise in unemployment again

Since 1 January 2017, over 17,000 public-sector family offices in Germany have been handing over the processing of their child benefit claims to the Family Office of the Federal Employment Agency (FamKa BA), and an important milestone was reached in July 2020: FamKa BA became responsible for child benefits for over one million children.

Joint press release

No further rise in unemployment as a result of corona

Annelie Buntenbach, the alternate Chairwoman of the Administrative Board, has stepped down from her honorary post at the BA.

Stabilised by extensive short-time work

The local offices of the Agentur für Arbeit are providing an online identification option for customers who cannot register as unemployed in person during the ongoing corona pandemic.

Continued pressure in the corona crisis

The partners in the Alliance for Initial and Further Training agree measures to stabilise dual training

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) would like to warn employers about fraudulent emails that are currently in circulation.

Today, on 15 May 2020, the Upper and Lower Houses of the German Parliament discussed and passed a second welfare package (Sozialschutzpaket II), including the extension of unemployment benefits. The law will be published in the Federal Law Gazette over the coming week.

Around 750,000 companies have reported plans to reduce their employees’ working hours since the beginning of March. Many of them are claiming short-time working allowance for the first time. This is leading to several questions and sometimes even uncertainty when it comes to claiming such payments, as discovered by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) in recent telephone consultations. Their questions range from the reporting process to the transfer of short-time working allowance. That is why we have provided some answers to frequently asked questions about the requirements, the process and the settlement of short-time working allowance.

Growing pressure in the corona crisis

Since 18 March, the local Agentur für Arbeit and Jobcenter branches that are run jointly with the local authorities throughout Germany have reduced their personal contact with customers and are now dealing with more enquiries over the phone or online.

Total number of reports has stagnated over the past week Plans to reduce working hours reported by one in three companies

Number of reports rises by 12% in one week BA bolsters its workforce

three out of four benefit reductions due to missed appointments

Plans to reduce working hours reported by more and more companies

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) would like to warn employers about a fraudulent email. The senders want to access personal data.

In light of the current crisis, the German government has made it easier for people to supplement their short-time working allowance. Anyone who helps out in systemically important sectors and occupations can now make up for their financial losses.

Hubertus Heil (Federal Minister of Labour) and Detlef Scheele (Chairman of the BA) on the state of the German labour market in March

Seasonal decline in unemployment before intensification of the corona crisis

In light of the current situation, the German government has approved a welfare package to facilitate access to basic security benefits.

Employers now have until 30 June 2020 to submit notices for the employment of disabled persons. The same applies to the payment of compensatory levies.

The government is planning new temporary regulations for the consideration of assets and the temporary recognition of actual housing costs

After conducting monitoring interviews with all Agentur für Arbeit offices in Germany, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) has detected a sharp rise in short-time working arrangements in light of the current situation.

Jobcenter and Agentur für Arbeit offices working behind closed doors

calls to Jobcenter and Agentur für Arbeit limited to emergencies

Customers can still contact their Jobcenter and Agentur für Arbeit

further stable development despite weak economy

You can now make an application for child allowance online. It’s quick and easy, there’s no paperwork, and you can do it whenever and wherever you like.

Central Service Centre for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications opens in Bonn

The regional Familienkassen (family funds) have recently noted a fresh rise in the number of child benefit applications submitted via commercial online providers who process child benefit applications for a fee.

Rise in unemployment mainly due to seasonal factors

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) has been taking online applications for unemployment benefits (ALG I) for the past five years, and almost half of all submissions are now digital.

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) has increased its spending on unemployment benefits over the past year due to the state of the economy. The surplus of 2.1 billion euros is considerably lower than in previous years. A deficit of 1.3 billion euros is expected for this year.

“The labour market continued to prove its robustness in 2019. Despite the weaker economy, unemployment and underemployment decreased on average in 2019, and employment has risen again”, said the Chairman of the Federal Employment Agency (BA), Detlef Scheele, at today’s monthly press conference in Nuremberg.

“The labour market was largely stable at the end of the year, but we can still see the effects of the economic downturn”, said the Chairman of the Federal Employment Agency (BA), Detlef Scheele, at today’s monthly press conference in Nuremberg.