The unemployment rate in the German hospitality industry rose by 208.2 percent in April compared to the same month in the previous year. 35,348 unemployed in absolute numbers. Dehoga President Guido Zöllick now addresses these “shocking labor market figures” and calls them the highest growth of all branches of the German economy. In addition, the number of short-time allowance-related employees in the hotel and catering industry is extremely high: in March and April, short-time work was registered for more than one million employees – more specifically for 1,025,512 employees. This affects more than 95 percent of all employees in the hospitality industry who are subject to social security contributions. Zöllick: “These are catastrophic numbers. This is a dramatic exceptional situation for both entrepreneurs and employees. The hospitality industry is on the ground. ”In the situation, short-time working proves to be a valuable labor market policy instrument.
It is “alarming labor market figures”, as the Dehoga called it in an official letter, that make clear the devastating effects of the corona pandemic on the industry. Zöllick now sees the need for political action all the more urgently – because the previous liquidity aid was not sufficient. In addition, according to a survey by the association, short-time work benefits have not yet been reimbursed in 84 percent of cases. Wages had to be transferred for April as well. In addition there would be the fixed costs. The liquidity bottleneck worsens.
Zöllick: “The rescue fund with direct financial aid must be launched quickly, otherwise many companies will not survive in May.” At the same time, the Dehoga demands an amendment to the law that includes a right to a reduction in rent.
(Dehoga / KP)
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