In February, the number of unemployed people rose compared with the same month a year earlier, but fell relative to January, as is typical at this time of year. The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) reported 3,070,000 unemployed individuals, 15,000 fewer than in January, yet 81,000 more than in February of the previous year. Seasonally adjusted data indicate a monthly gain of about 1,000 people. Andrea Nahles, chair of the agency, said the labour market remains sluggish after the winter break and that unemployment, staying just over 3 million, changes little. The agency’s figure for “under‑employment” which also includes labour‑market policy measures and short‑term incapacity, dropped 3,000 from the previous month when seasonally adjusted. With 3,724,000 people classified as under‑employed, the figure is also modestly lower-by 4,000-than a year earlier.
Economy / Finance
