Shortage of skilled workers: Two million unfilled positions

A lack of skilled workers is an increasingly acute problem for the German economy. More than half of the companies cannot fill all vacancies, according to a DIHK survey.

More than half of German companies have difficulties filling vacancies. This is the result of a survey of almost 22,000 companies published today by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK). “We assume that around two million jobs will remain vacant in Germany,” said deputy DIHK chief executive Achim Dercks in Berlin. “This corresponds to a lost value creation potential of almost 100 billion euros.”

“A Dangerous Mixture”

The shortage of skilled workers remains one of the biggest problems for the German economy. The challenges in filling vacancies have increased compared to the previous year, although many companies expected an economically difficult year and scaled down their personnel planning, according to the DIHK. 53 percent of the companies stated in the report on skilled workers that they were affected by staff shortages – after 51 percent in the previous year.

Never before have so many companies had difficulties recruiting new employees. The situation is relatively stable on the job market, despite the corona pandemic and energy crisis. “But a dangerous mixture has been brewing under the surface for some time,” says Dercks. This not only puts a strain on individual companies, but also slows down the expansion of infrastructure, the energy transition and digitization.

The problems are particularly serious with a share of 67 percent among manufacturers of electrical equipment. There are just as many in mechanical engineering and 65 percent in vehicle construction. In the case of health and social service providers, as many as 71 percent complain about difficulties. The plight of the logistics industry is also striking. “The lack of drivers in logistics companies is making it increasingly difficult to deliver punctually with end products in retail, but also with raw materials and preliminary work in industry,” said Dercks. In the hospitality industry, staff shortages led to a limited offer and reduced opening hours.

Less bureaucracy, more immigration

According to the DIHK, in order to improve the situation, companies are primarily calling for a reduction in bureaucracy, which 52 percent would like to see. In this way, more staff could be used for the actual tasks of the companies. In addition, vocational training should be strengthened. Greater training for the unemployed is also seen as a way out.

According to the DIHK, further improvements in the compatibility of family and work and the participation of older people in the labor force are urgently needed. For example, the Virchowbund Medical Association recently called on all medical practices to switch to a four-day week. In addition to economic considerations, it is also a “sign against the ever-expanding bureaucracy in medical practices and as a remedy for the shortage of skilled workers”.

According to the DIHK, 35 percent of the companies are also hoping for progress by making it easier to hire foreign skilled workers. According to estimates, a balance of 400,000 immigrants are needed every year to close the gap in the German labor market. Because this gap is large: According to the Institute for Labor Market and Occupational Research (IAB), the German labor market could shrink by up to seven million workers by 2035 if no action is taken.