The number of unemployed in Germany is still just under 3 million. (archive picture)
Keystone
The number of unemployed people in Germany rose by 65,000 to 2.979 million in July compared to the previous month. Compared to June, the unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage points to 6.3 percent, according to the Federal Employment Agency.
“Unemployment has risen due to the start of the summer break. Companies are still reluctant to register new jobs and employment subject to social insurance contributions is barely increasing,” said Andrea Nahles, Chairwoman of the Federal Employment Agency.
Labor market experts expect the number of unemployed to rise to more than three million in August, as was last the case in February 2015. After that, however, there should at least be a chance of improvement. The Institute for Employment Research’s labor market barometer had recently raised hopes of a recovery in autumn, despite numerous bad news from the economy.
The Federal Employment Agency put the number of registered vacancies at 628,000. This is 75,000 fewer than a year ago. A total of 991,000 people received unemployment benefits in July. 3.877 million people of working age were entitled to receive citizens’ benefits. This also includes people who are in work but whose earnings are not sufficient to cover their living costs.