According to the latest Skilled Labour Report from the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), more than 80 percent of German companies fear negative consequences for their economic development due to labour shortages. The labour shortage is already forcing 40% of companies to reduce their own range of services, while others are losing orders, having to shorten opening hours or keep customers waiting for appointments.

For the report, the DIHK asked around 22,000 companies from various sectors for their opinion. The data shows that the labour market situation is increasingly becoming a threat to Germany as a business location. In addition to intensifying training and further education, scientists recommend longer working hours for older workers, greater automation in the manufacturing industry and the promotion of skilled labour immigration from non-EU countries as countermeasures.

Thanks to new legal regulations for work visas, there will be significantly more and better opportunities to live and work in Germany in the future – for example for electricians, professional lorry drivers, machine operators, engineers, IT specialists and service staff.