Germany's Job Market Slows as Youth Unemployment Rises
The number of advertised vacancies at the Federal Employment Agency in Germany decreased slightly to 75,416 in September 2025. Meanwhile, youth unemployment rose, with 30,346 young people under 25 years old out of work. Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism in Baden-Württemberg, emphasized the need for social security office reforms to secure employment and boost economic performance.
The decrease in advertised vacancies, down 10.5 percent compared to the same month last year, reflects a slowdown in job market growth. Youth unemployment, however, increased by 15.5 percent, with the current rate standing at 4.4 percent. Dr. Hoffmeister-Kraut highlighted the importance of vocational training, especially in times of skilled labor shortages, stating that it provides a stable foundation for a professional life.
The total number of unemployed in Baden-Württemberg also decreased slightly to 303,099. The unemployment rate remained at 4.7 percent, though it was 4.3 percent a year ago. Despite her calls for social security office reforms, Dr. Hoffmeister-Kraut has not initiated comprehensive nationwide reforms as the social security system is primarily a federal matter.
While Dr. Hoffmeister-Kraut has called for reforms to modernize the social security office, no concrete nationwide reforms have been publicly documented as being initiated by her in September 2025. She can, however, influence reforms on a state level and in the Bundesrat. For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to check the press releases of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism or contact their press office directly.
