The number of unemployed in Hamburg is increasing - but so is the number of employees

The number of unemployed in Hamburg rose at the beginning of the year. In January it increased by almost 4,100 or 5.5 percent to 78,800 compared to the previous month, as the head of the Hamburg Employment Agency, Sönke Fock, said on Tuesday. In January, the employment agency counted 73,665 unemployed and thus 5,144 or 7.0 percent fewer than in the same period last year.

The unemployment rate rose to 7.3 percent, in the previous month it was 6.9 and in January 2022 it was 6.8 percent. "Temporary employment contracts, ending project terms or classic layoffs at the end of the year cause the number of registered unemployed to skyrocket at the beginning of the year," said Fock.

At the same time, the number of employees subject to social security contributions increased. In November, 1,062,000 men and women were employed in Hamburg's businesses and companies. This is again the highest value ever reported in Hamburg and an increase of 4600 or 0.4 percent compared to the previous month.

Year-on-year, total employment even rose by 3 percent, which means an increase of 30,600 jobs in absolute terms. At the federal level, employment grew by 1.4 percent.

With the hiring out of employees, one sector of the economy particularly stands out, because the increase of 10.8 percent (equivalent to 2700 jobs) is not only in double digits, but also points the way forward, said Fock.

For example, the leasing of workers is an early indicator of forthcoming changes in other areas of the economy. If the number of employees there increases, they will be taken on with a time delay, but with a high degree of probability by the user companies.

Employment has also increased significantly in the hospitality industry (6.1 percent), industry (3.7 percent), construction (2.8 percent) and again very strongly in the information and communication economic segment with an increase of 5200 employees (7, 3 percent).

At the beginning of the year, Fock appealed to young people to seek advice on apprenticeships. "Young people who are looking to start their careers through vocational training or are thinking about it have particularly good chances," said Fock. Parents and teachers in particular should make their children and students aware of the numerous counseling services.