Latest news with #EmploymentAgency
Local Germany
29-05-2025
- Business
- Local Germany
Concerns about Germany's job market grow as unemployment falls only slightly
The unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage points month on month to 6.2 percent in May, the latest data from Germany's Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, BA) in Nuremberg showed on Wednesday. The number of unemployed people in Germany fell by 12,000 to 2.919 million in May from the previous month, But numbers are up when compared to May 2024: there were around 197,000 more unemployed people in May 2025 than a year earlier. "The labour market is not getting the tailwind it needs to reverse the trend. Therefore, we expect unemployment figures to continue to rise during the summer," BA head Andrea Nahles said on Wednesday. Minister for Labour and Social Affairs Bärbel Bas (SPD) also expressed concern: "The tense economic situation is particularly evident in industry. Jobs are currently at risk in many companies," she said, adding that Germany urgently needed "economic policy stimulus." The number of so-called underemployed people, which includes not only the unemployed but also participants in labour market policy measures and those on short-term sick leave, stood at 3.602 million in May, the Bundesagentur für Arbeit said. This was approximately 58,000 more than in May 2024. READ ALSO: How many German companies are planning to cut jobs in 2025? Analyst Martin Müller of the KfW banking group thinks a turnaround this year is unlikely. "The labour market continues to suffer from the German economy's sales and cost problems," he said, explaining that due to a long period of stagnation, many companies are hesitant to hire new staff. Advertisement However, there is "the prospect" that the investment packages announced by the government will trigger a "noticeable economic stimulus" in the coming years, he said. Bas also pointed to the measures announced by the black-red coalition. The labour market figures "also show how important the new government's economic stimulus and investment programme is," the minister said. Among other things, the government is planning a €500 billion special fund for investments in infrastructure and climate protection. Businesses, meanwhile, called for lower social security contributions and criticised government plans to raise the minimum wage. A "government-led and thus misguided wage policy" would "nip any emerging easing in the labour market in the bud," said Rainer Dulger, President of the Confederation of German Employers' Associations. Lower social spending is "the better path to a healthy labour market," he added. And the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) board member Anja Piel said continuing education was "the safest means to secure jobs" in uncertain times, adding that it was the right time for a "qualification offensive" by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit and job centres.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Big change to services for Universal Credit households this weekend – check how you're affected
HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit and other benefits are being warned of a big change coming on Monday. 1 Jobcentre Plus offices and the National Jobcentre Enquiry Line are usually closed on weekends too. Phone lines and offices are expected to reopen on Tuesday, May 26. Some branches may be open on Saturdays so it's worth checking your nearest branches opening hours. Jobcentre Plus branches provide a range of services helping jobseekers, long-term sick or disabled people find employment or claim benefits. The government-funded employment agency and social security office, is found in most cities and towns. It was was formed when the Employment Service merged with the Benefits Agency. It was renamed to Jobcentre Plus in 2002 and is part of the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions). The bank holiday on Monday will also see benefit payment dates altered. This is because payments are usually made the first working day before a bank holiday. Remember, if you are paid early you'll need to make the money last longer as you'll have to wait extra days until your next payment. If you are expecting an early payment and don't get it double check the dates you are usually paid and contact your bank. If you need further help or assistance you must contact the DWP. How does work affect Universal Credit? Complaints about unpaid benefits can be filed with the DWP. You can go to for more information. OTHER BENEFIT CHANGES The Government hikes benefit payments every year to keep up with the cost of food and other essentials. Benefit payments have recently risen for millions, including for those on Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance. How much yours could rise by depends on your personal circumstances. You can also see the new rates for the 2025/26 year via YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
