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Labour market trends: Significant decline in employment demand observed in May

Decline in labor demand observed during May

Lack of Experienced Workforce in Construction Industry Persists
Lack of Experienced Workforce in Construction Industry Persists

Decreased Demand for Workers in May: Analysis by Federal Employment Agency

The Federal Employment Agency has reported a significant drop in the demand for new employees in May, following a slight increase in April. The decline, observed in almost all economic sectors, is partially attributed to the counteraction of the April effect, according to the agency.

The decrease was particularly noticeable in the areas of qualified business services, hospitality, and retail. Specific numbers reflect double-digit percentage drops in these sectors.

The Federal Employment Agency's Job Index (BA-X) is a monthly-published, seasonally and calendar-adjusted indicator that mirrors hiring readiness among companies. The index reveals the development of labor demand on the German labor market, independent of seasonal fluctuations.

In April 2025, the index stood at 105, signifying a relatively stable but slightly lower demand compared to previous months. The index has shown a slight decrease in demand since late 2022, indicating a slower growth in job openings.

While specific data for qualified business services is not provided in the recent reports, the general drop in the BA-X index suggests this sector may also be experiencing a slowdown in job demand. The hospitality industry, with its seasonal fluctuations, shows no significant change in job demand as of recently. Economic conditions affecting consumer spending might contribute to the slower pace of job openings in this sector.

Similar to other sectors, the retail industry may face challenges due to economic pressures, potentially resulting in a slower hiring pace. The reduction in overall job openings and labor market demand suggests that retail might also be impacted.

With rising unemployment and a slowdown in labor demand, various sectors may encounter difficulties in hiring. The number of job openings has decreased compared to previous years, with a drop of 67,000 fewer job openings in May 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This trend indicates reduced demand for labor across various industries.

  1. The significant drop in the employment index, as reported by the German Federal Employment Agency in Nuremberg, indicates a decrease in labor demand in May, which could have a potential impact on the finance sector due to the reduced demand for workers across various industries.
  2. The decrease in the employment index in May, as shown by the numbers from the German Federal Employment Agency, may signal a slowdown in the business sector as well, considering the decline in employment was particularly noticeable in areas such as qualified business services.

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