In January the number of unemployed people in Thuringia rose. The Federal Employment Agency reported 74,146 people registered as jobless in the Free State, which is 4,802 more than in December and 1,657 more than in January of the previous year. The unemployment rate is now 6.7 percent.
Markus Behrens, chairman of the management board of the regional directorate for Saxony‑Anhalt‑Thuringia, attributed the increase mainly to seasonal factors. He cited the expiry of fixed‑term contracts, the end of holiday‑season contracts, and weather‑related winter breaks in the construction industry. At the same time he warned that economic weakness is slowly becoming more evident.
Despite the rise in unemployment, the demand for workers remains steady. In January employment agencies and job centres received 14,885 job‑vacancy notices, and employers added 2,847 new positions – a 13.5 percent increase over the same month last year. Meanwhile, under‑employment – which includes people under special employment measures or with a special status – fell slightly to 88,313 individuals.
