Berlin – The number of unemployed in Berlin continues to decline. According to the local employment agencies, 186,046 men and women are currently registered as unemployed in the city. That is 4,389 fewer unemployed than in September and 18,746 fewer than in October last year. The unemployment rate, which was 10.2 percent a year ago, is now 9.2 percent.
“Unemployment is falling, the trend in employment is pointing upwards,” says Ramona Schröder, head of the Berlin-Brandenburg regional directorate of the Federal Employment Agency. The effects of the corona crisis can no longer be felt in most industries – with the exception of the hospitality industry, the event and trade fair industry and parts of the trade.
In fact, the employment agencies and job centers in Berlin currently have more than 22,000 vacancies. That is almost 23 percent more than in the previous year. Demand exists across almost all industries, especially in professional services, retail, hospitality and the manufacturing sector. On the other hand, short-time work continues to decline in the city. This month only 67 Berlin companies registered short-time work for 1037 employees. A year ago, more than 100,000 employees had to work short-time in Berlin.
However, things are far from improving everywhere. Youth unemployment actually increased in Berlin in October. In the 15 to 19 age group, 4402 people are currently registered as unemployed. That is 20 percent more than in September. In addition, the number of long-term unemployed who have been out of work for more than twelve months remains high. It is true that their number fell by 1300 in October compared to the previous month. But more than 75,000 Berliners are still affected. And above all: a year ago there were still over 20,000 fewer long-term unemployed in Berlin.