“While the momentum in the first few months of the year was still overshadowed by the corona-related restrictions, a recovery set in as the year progressed and towards the end of the year the pre-crisis level was almost reached again,” says Stefan Beil, CEO of the employment agency. However, the “extensive use of short-time work” in particular would have helped many people keep their jobs.
Fewer unemployed, more employed
According to this, from January to December 2021, an average of 7,940 women and men were registered as unemployed in the agency district of Würzburg. That was 720 fewer people than in the same period last year (8.3 percent). The annual unemployment rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 2.7 percent and was thus at the level of 2016. The unemployment rate for 2019 – the last year before the outbreak of the corona pandemic – was 0.4 percentage points lower. According to figures from the agency, almost 12,000 people have registered as unemployed after a previous job, a good 2,400 fewer than in 2020. In return, 11,350 people have taken up employment again – an increase of 3.4 percent.
Easing brings momentum to the labor market
The easing as the year progressed would have stimulated the labor market. In the course of this development, the use of short-time work has also decreased. “The demand for labor has increased significantly with 15,450 vacancies and was around a quarter above the previous year’s result,” Beil continued. There was particular demand for workers in trade, manufacturing, health and social services, as well as for freelance, scientific and technical services.
Growth in construction and logistics
As of June 30, 216,850 women and men were employed subject to social security contributions in the agency district. The sectors did not develop uniformly. There was growth in construction, transport and logistics, health care and public administration, declines in gastronomy and manufacturing in particular.
More long-term unemployed
Long-term unemployment went against the positive trend. The number of people affected grew by around a third compared to 2020 to 2,000. “This year we will focus on reducing long-term unemployment,” promises agency boss Beil. The key to this could be tailor-made qualification offers.
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