District's population has shrunk by nearly 17,000 residents compared to previous figures
The latest census by the Lower Saxony State Statistical Office has revealed a population decline in the IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) Osnabrück region, with a decrease of approximately 1.7% compared to the national average for Lower Saxony (2.1%). This decline, while in line with the national average, is a cause for concern as it indicates a potential shortage of skilled labor in the area.
Frank Hesse, the department head for economic policy at the IHK Osnabrück, emphasizes the importance of creating attractive conditions for newcomers and returnees to the region. By attracting more people, the IHK aims to support local industries and sustain regional development.
The census results show that most municipalities within the IHK region have experienced a decrease in population. Notable exceptions include the cities of Bad Bentheim and Nordhorn, which have shown significant gains, and the Samtgemeinde Schüttorf, which recorded the largest percentage increase within the region, with a plus of 2 percent.
The increase in population benefits municipalities, as it influences the distribution of taxes, potentially leading to increased tax revenues. The city of Nordhorn, now the second-largest municipality in the IHK region with 55,724 inhabitants, is one such example. The exact percentage of population increase in Bad Bentheim and Nordhorn is not specified in the census results.
The County of Bentheim is the winner of the new census, with an increase of 1,795 residents (+1.3%). However, the districts of Osnabrück (-2.8%) and Emsland (-2.2%) lost an above-average number of residents compared to the previous population forecast. The city of Osnabrück also recorded a population loss of 0.6%.
The IHK Osnabrück has recognised the need for qualified employees in the region and aims to tackle the shortages by drawing more skilled workers to the area. This aligns with broader trends in Germany and other developed economies facing demographic shifts that reduce the labor pool.
The IHK awards the "Excellent Location for Skilled Workers" seal to municipalities that strive for good conditions. By creating attractive conditions for newcomers and returnees, the IHK hopes to attract more skilled workers and support the region's economic growth and competitiveness.
The exact number of municipalities that recorded a decrease in population is not specified in the census results. The new census result is a worrying message as it indicates that population forecasts were too optimistic, and the IHK Osnabrück is taking steps to address this challenge. The decline is not limited to specific municipalities within the IHK region, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to attract and retain skilled workers.
Migration and general-news are closely linked as the IHK Osnabrück recognizes the need for qualified employees in the region and aims to tackle the shortages by drawing more skilled workers to the area, aligning with broader trends in Germany and other developed economies facing demographic shifts that reduce the labor pool.
Politics and migration intersect as the IHK Osnabrück's efforts to attract more people and skilled workers to the region could be influenced by government policies regarding immigration, potentially impacting the regional economy and development.
