Unemployment in Styria: A worrying increase in 2024

Unemployment in Styria: A worrying increase in 2024

Steiermark, Österreich - 2024 was a truly challenging year for the labor market in Styria, which was classified by the AMS as one of the most difficult periods. According to the current figures, an average of 35,646 people were registered unemployed, which corresponds to an increase of 12.3 percent compared to the previous year. These alarming statistics mean that a total of around 44,128 Styrians, including 8,482 people in training programs, were without employment. The industry, which, especially in the area of ​​goods production, recorded a dramatic increase of 23 percent, was particularly affected. "We are experiencing the highest increase in unemployed this year since the crisis years 2009 and 2020," said Karl-Heinz Snobe, Managing Director of AMS Styria, and underlined the serious effects of economic turbulence on the region, such as orf.at reported.

The causes of the increase are diverse and are largely related to international economic difficulties. Political austerity measures, conflicts abroad and uncertainties after the presidential elections in the United States contribute to the tense situation. In Styria, despite the expected economy lesson of 0.7 percent, the AMS expects up to 5 percent for 2025 with a further increase in unemployment, which corresponds to around 2,000 additional unemployed. This gloomy scenario is reinforced by a general reduction in people who have dropped 0.4 percent to 546,500. "The Styrian labor market will continue to be under pressure", emphasized Yvonne Popper-Pieber and Snobe in the assessment, such as Ams.at reported.

increasing long -term unemployment

The increase in long -term unemployment is particularly worrying, which has increased by 15.8 percent to 4,464 people on average. This development mainly affects men, while people with a compulsory school leaving certificate are also significantly affected. Unemployment increased by 12.1 percent in this group. In addition, companies reported an average of 12,414 vacancies, which corresponds to a decline of 17.2 percent. The deterioration of the economic situation is reflected in all districts, especially in Weiz, Gleisdorf, Voitsberg and Graz.