392,600 People Unemployed in April

In April, 392,600 people were unemployed or participating in training programs. This represents an increase of 24,800 people or 6.7 percent compared to April of the previous year.

Sharp Increase in Long-term Unemployed

Among the unemployed, 311,838 people were counted, which represents an increase of 8.4 percent year-on-year. The unemployment rate rose by 0.5 percentage points to a total of 7.3 percent. Unemployment among women climbed by 10.4 percent, while an increase of 6.9 percent was recorded among men. Youth unemployment increased by 10.9 percent, and the number of those seeking apprenticeships by 19.4 percent.

The number of long-term unemployed rose by 14 percent to around 91,200. Unemployment among foreigners increased by 10.5 percent, while the increase among nationals was 7 percent, the Ministry of Labor calculated on Friday. Employment fell by 1,000 jobs and employee relationships. According to Eurostat calculations, the unemployment rate in Austria is now 5.4 percent, an increase of 0.5 percentage points. Among young people (under 25 years), the rate is 11.3 percent, an increase of 1.4 percentage points.

Economic Association Sees First Positive Signs: Recently More Job Vacancies

Despite the significantly worse labor market figures, the Economic Association (WB) sees "first positive signs." There is no all-clear, but the WB job monitor showed 156,724 job vacancies in April, over 10,000 more than the previous month. Social and Labor Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) emphasized on Friday: "In view of the changing demands of the labor market, it is urgently necessary to take measures to increase the skills of people with low formal education and thus promote their integration into the labor market." For Helene Schuberth, ÖGB Federal Managing Director, it is clear: "A change of course is finally needed. Companies must take more responsibility and train more intensively to counteract the growing demand for skilled workers."

AK-Anderl: Worrying Situation for Long-term Unemployed

Renate Anderl, President of the Chamber of Labor, calculated: "For two years now, unemployment has been rising month by month, particularly affecting people without completed or recognized vocational training. The situation for the long-term unemployed is particularly worrying." Christoph Neumayer, Secretary General of the Federation of Austrian Industries, noted on Friday: "Austria is at the absolute forefront with a tax burden on labor of 47 percent, with by far the largest share of the tax burden on labor still being ancillary wage costs."

(APA/Red)

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