Job crisis in Westmecklenburg: Highest unemployment for years!

In 2024, unemployment in Westmecklenburg was a decisive topic. According to a report by NDR there was the highest number of unemployed in the region, with an average unemployment rate of 7.2 percent in Westmecklenburg. Around 17,700 people were unemployed, which corresponds to about 560 less than in the previous year. Schwerin recorded an unemployment rate of 10.2 percent, while Nordwestmecklenburg was 6.8 percent and Ludwigslust-Parchim 6.3 percent. Guntram Sydow, the head of the Schwerin agency, was optimistic about developments in the labor market in 2025, with identifying the securing of specialists as the greatest challenge.

In addition, the information of the Federal Employment Agency in December 2024 in the district of the Schwerin agency rose to 17,801 7.3 percent. Compared to the previous year, the number of unemployed rose by 446 people. In December, 797 vacancies were also reported on the first job market, which represents a decline by 2 positions compared to the previous year. The number of young people under the age of 25, which were unemployed, also increased to 1,791, which means an increase of 140 people compared to the previous year.

labor market stability and challenges

The challenges on the West Mecklenburg labor market are characterized by an economic downturn, transformations and increasing labor shortages. The number of beneficiaries in basic security for job seekers was 22,353, which meant a decline of 162 people compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, the number of unemployed people in basic security rose to 11,748, which corresponds to an increase of 655 people. In this context, Guntram Sydow mentioned the urgency of securing skilled workers, combined with approaches such as dual training and immigration.