Escalating summer conflicts
Unemployment Rises Among Young People in Hesse During Summer Months
A recent report from the Federal Employment Agency reveals that the number of unemployed people in Hesse rose to approximately 221,000 in July 2023, an increase of around 12,000 compared to the previous year [1]. This increase is particularly noticeable among young people under 25, with the unemployment rate for this age group remaining higher than the previous year, even after adjusting for seasonal effects.
The summer holiday period is traditionally a "lacklustre" phase in the German labor market, including Hesse. Temporary contracts and student jobs often expire during this time, causing unemployment to rise more than usual for the time of year [2][3]. Young people under 25 are most affected because many of their jobs are in sectors heavily dependent on seasonal and temporary roles such as retail, hospitality, and summer internships or working student positions [1].
The end of these positions often leads to a period of joblessness or difficulty securing new apprenticeships. Additionally, pupil and school leavers with lower secondary education face challenges because they must compete with candidates holding higher-regarded certificates, limiting their apprenticeship options during this seasonal downturn [2].
Despite earlier expectations, the unemployment rate for young people under 25 has not significantly decreased by October [1]. Eckart Schäfer from the Federal Employment Agency stated that the number of young unemployed decreases significantly again by October [1]. However, the job market in Hesse remains tense during the summer months, with many young people seeking training or study places, causing an increase in unemployment [1].
The situation on the labor market in Hesse is expected to remain tense in the coming months, with the unemployment rate for young people under 25 expected to continue to be high. On a positive note, the job market in Hesse is experiencing a mixed picture, with some sectors creating additional jobs while others continue to struggle with high unemployment rates [1].
For instance, the social sector, public administration, health sector, and energy sector have seen an increase in job creation compared to the previous year, with +3.3 percent, +3.0 percent, +2.4 percent, and +2.3 percent additional jobs respectively [1]. Despite these positive signs, the overall unemployment rate in Hesse slightly rose to 5.9 percent in July [1].
In conclusion, the summer months in Hesse continue to present challenges for young job seekers, with the end of temporary and student jobs causing a seasonal rise in unemployment. While there are signs of recovery in certain sectors, the overall job market remains tense, particularly for young people under 25.
References:
[1] Bundesagentur für Arbeit (2023). Arbeitnehmerstatistik Hessen - Monatsbericht Juli 2023. Retrieved from https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/
[2] Schäfer, E. (2023). Interview: Wie wird die Jugendarbeitslosigkeit in Hessen in den kommenden Monaten entwickeln? Retrieved from https://www.hessenschaufenster.de/
[3] Deutsche Welle (2023). Germany's youth unemployment: Why is it so high? Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-s-youth-unemployment-why-is-it-so-high/a-58035139
Young people under 25 in Hesse are disproportionately affected by the rising unemployment rates during the summer months, as many work in sectors prone to seasonal and temporary roles such as retail, hospitality, and internships. The tense job market in Hesse probably will continue to impact young job seekers in the coming months, with several sectors creating additional jobs while others grapple with high unemployment rates.
