Unemployment in Austria: record increase of 6.9 percent in May!

Unemployment in Austria: record increase of 6.9 percent in May!

The current situation on the labor market in Austria shows worrying trends. At the end of May 2023, a total of 375,347 people were registered as unemployed or in training at the labor market service (AMS). Of this, 296,140 people are eliminated, while 79,207 people take part in the AMS training measures. These figures represents an increase of 6.9 percent compared to the same month of the previous year, which corresponds to 24,196 people. The unemployment rate has increased by 0.5 percentage points to 6.9 percent. The development since April 2023 has indicated a continuous increase in unemployment, which is also predicted by the economic researchers of the WIFO and IHS. They expect a third year of recession for 2023 and an increase in unemployment.

AMS board member Johannes Kopf was concerned about the situation and explained that unemployment would continue to increase without substantial economic growth, especially with increasing workers. Forecasts of the Ministry of Labor and the AMS indicate that the number of employed employment relationships for May 2025 will be 3.965 million, which means an increase of 2,000 compared to May 2024.

industry -specific developments

The sectors are particularly affected by increasing unemployment. The following figures illustrate the percentage increase in unemployment in the affected sectors compared to the previous year:

Open spots and labor market statistics

reported vacancies that come to the regional branches of the AMS, which come from the mediation orders of the companies, show a complex picture. These areas are assigned to the place of work regionally and are divided into immediately available and not immediately available positions. The criteria and terms for vacancies are crucial for the statistics and the mediation of job seekers. Green jobs that comprise professions, avoid environmental damage and protect natural resources are also becoming more important. According to the AMS, there are now 536 professions that fall into the category of green jobs.

For the comprehensive analysis of the labor market situation, the website of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) offers valuable statistics. There are monthly reports, current tables and interfaces to regional statistics services. The publication of SGB II indicators and access to topics such as the training market statistics or the financial services of SGB III complete the information offer. Further information is available on the corresponding pages: OE24.at, [Ams] (https://www.ams.at/arbeitsmarktaten-und-medien/arbeitsmarkt-daten-und-arbeitsmarkt-forschung/fach-and BMAS.