Jobless rate escalates to 10.9%
In July 2025, unemployment rates have seen a noticeable increase in the cities of Remscheid, Solingen, and Wuppertal. Gabriele Naurath-Prangel, deputy operational director of the Employment Agency Solingen-Wuppertal, made these statements.
According to the latest data, a total of 3,565 people registered as unemployed in July, an increase of 2,800 (16%) compared to the same time last year. The unemployment rate currently stands at 10.9%, up by 0.2% compared to the previous month.
Through the bearers of basic security, 73% of all unemployed people are currently being cared for. Meanwhile, 3,177 people ended their unemployment, with 836 finding a job. However, 988 of the newly unemployed came directly from employment.
The rise in unemployment can be attributed to several factors. Structural economic transitions impacting traditional industries in these cities, such as manufacturing and services, have played a significant role. Broader regional and sectoral shifts have led to job losses in some sectors while new growth fields have not yet fully absorbed the displaced workers. Additionally, rising energy costs and inflationary pressures affecting small and medium enterprises may have contributed to the unemployment figures.
The Niederrhein Institute for Regional and Structural Research (NIERS) is conducting research into these regional structural and socioeconomic changes, providing insights on the evolving labor markets and socio-economic sustainability in the Rhineland metropolitan region. They note that these cities face ongoing challenges adapting to structural change caused by globalization and technological shifts.
As of July 2025, detailed unemployment statistics for each city specifically are typically published by local employment agencies or the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). However, the exact percentage increase or current rates for July 2025 were not found in the search results. Nevertheless, the regional research acknowledges increased unemployment as a concern in the area, linked to the structural transformations noted above.
In July, many temporary employment relationships ended at the halfway point, potentially contributing to the rise in unemployment. Despite these challenges, the employment agency currently has 932 vacant positions in its inventory.
For the latest detailed statistics, local employment agency reports or federal labor market data for July 2025 would need to be consulted.
- The increasing unemployment rates in Remscheid, Solingen, and Wuppertal could have political implications, as the Local Employment Agencies and the Federal Employment Agency will likely face scrutiny for their handling of job creation and support programs.
- The general-news coverage of the rising unemployment rates in these cities may also focus on the ongoing challenges faced by the regions due to structural changes caused by globalization and technological shifts, as reported by the Niederrhein Institute for Regional and Structural Research.
