Germany Bundesagentur fur Arbeit

German Unemployment Falls 49,000 to 3,021,000, Rate 6.4%

The Bundesagentur für Arbeit released March 2026 labor market statistics showing unemployment decreased by 49,000 to 3,021,000 (rate 6.4%, down 0.1pp). Year-over-year, unemployment rose by 54,000. Short-time work (Kurzarbeit) was reported for 136,000 employees in January 2026, 141,000 fewer than the prior year. The report covers employment levels, job vacancies (638,000), and the training market.

Jobcenters Issue 461,400 Benefit Reductions, 25% Rise

German Jobcenters issued approximately 461,400 benefit reductions in 2025, a 25% increase from the previous year. Approximately 224,100 benefit recipients were affected by at least one newly imposed reduction. The most common reason (85.5%) was failure to attend scheduled appointments (Meldeversäumnisse), accounting for approximately 394,600 reductions. The average reduction was 8.3% of benefits or €66.

Girls' Day and Boys' Day 2026 Career Orientation Event

The Bundesagentur für Arbeit announces the 2026 Girls' Day and Boys' Day event on April 23, highlighting that 80% of nursing care workers are women and 80% of STEM workers are men. The event aims to break gender stereotypes by encouraging students to explore careers traditionally associated with the opposite gender. The BA will participate with nationwide activities and offer internships at its IT Systems House.