At the end of December, 374,871 people were registered with the AMS, of which 65,653 were in training. At the end of the year, the unemployment rate was 7.4 percent. Calculated over the full year, the unemployment rate was 6.3 percent. That’s the lowest number since 2008, according to the Department of Labor.
“The positive development is also confirmed by a year-on-year comparison: at the end of 2021, 27,507 more people were unemployed or in education than now,” said Economic Affairs Minister Martin Kocher (ÖVP) on Monday. “At the end of 2020, unemployment was 146,048 people higher than at the end of 2022. At the end of 2019, before the outbreak of the corona pandemic in Austria, that number was 33,001 people higher than now. This shows that the labor market is still very robust despite the challenges.”
Youth unemployment continues to fall
Looking at unemployment by gender, at the end of 2022, 150,875 women and 223,996 men were unemployed or in training. Compared to last year there was a significant decrease in unemployment for both women at -17,331 and men at -10,176. At the end of December, a total of 104,990 over-50s were registered as unemployed with the AMS. In 2021 this value was 116,948 persons, in 2019 it was 116,203 persons. The youth unemployment rate currently stands at 56,130 persons and has also decreased by 918 persons compared to last year. “Just like a longer period of unemployment, a higher age can make it more difficult to find a job. It is therefore positive that in 2022 it will have been possible to reduce the number of unemployed aged 50 and older by 11,958 people. In order to further reduce youth unemployment, in 2023 we will focus together with the AMS on promoting young people in the labor market,” said Kocher.
There are hardly any pre-registrations for short-time work
At the end of 2022, 3586 persons had been pre-registered for short-time work. At the end of 2021, 233,769 people were still billed. During the intense phases of the pandemic, short-time work was an important crisis tool to secure employment. Due to the good situation on the labor market and the many vacancies throughout Austria, short-time work is currently only used selectively. “Against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, short-time work has been extended in its current form until mid-2023. This is to ensure that short-time work is readily available as a crisis tool should it become necessary,” said Kocher.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
