Is the skilled labour shortage still relevant?

The economy is struggling and there is heated debate regarding one question: has the skilled labour shortage lost its immediacy? While some claim that the crisis has been resolved, others are more sceptical. But what is really behind it? Is the skilled labour shortage still relevant?

In short: Yes!

We take a look at the current situation on the labour market and analyse how the economic crisis and the shortage of skilled workers affect each other.

The German economy is struggling, lots of companies are facing a drop in orders and therefore need less staff. Not only are they not hiring new people, they are also cutting existing jobs. As a result, unemployment figures are rising.

According to a study by the Kompetenzzentrum Fachkräftesicherung (Centre of Competence for Skilled Worker Acquisition - KOFA)*, in September 2025 the number of unemployed qualified workers (around 1.2 million) exceeded the number of vacancies for qualified workers (1.1 million). In addition, the skilled labour gap has decreased by 18.3 per cent compared to the previous year.

However, the shrinking skilled labour gap is not necessarily a positive sign: the shortage of skilled workers is not due to successful recruitment, but simply because fewer skilled workers are needed.

Yes, healthcare professions are also affected – but for different reasons. Many clinics and healthcare facilities have run into financial difficulties and have had to close some unprofitable units. The hospital reform decided by the “traffic-light” coalition could further intensify this development – but probably only temporarily.

Demographic change remains and will inevitably lead to an increasingly ageing society and thus to a growing demand for medical personnel.

It is important to emphasise that, although fewer skilled workers are currently needed overall than in previous years, the shortage of skilled workers remains – simply at a lower level. In September 2025, 367,379 positions were still vacant.

In some areas, such as food production, specialist nursing and professional drivers, the shortage of skilled workers has actually increased. It is therefore essential to continue investing in the recruitment of skilled workers in order to counteract the shortage in the long term.