Austria’s unemployment figures are at a comparatively low level. But that could soon change.
Despite record inflation, the Austrian labor market is defying the crisis – for now. At the end of October, fewer people were unemployed than in 14 years. However, the job market faces challenges. For this reason, the head of AMS, Johannes Kopf, was also a guest of ZIB2 at ORF.
Unemployment continues to fall – 319,200 jobless
Martin Thür’s topic was not just the current situation on the labor market, but also that of displaced people in Ukraine. Because of the roughly 90,000 Ukrainians in the country, only about 7,000 are employed and another 8,000 are registered as unemployed with AMS or undergoing training. Head does the math: about half of the 90,000 Ukrainians are children, in addition to pregnant women, the elderly and traumatized people. But even if you subtract that, Kopf estimates that around 40,000 Ukrainians could – in theory – find employment.
Boss wants more money for Ukrainians
That worries him, Kopf explained. He appealed to Ukrainians in Austria to have a plan B for a quick return to their home country. Because some of the displaced people will stay here. Furthermore, there is already a call from Ukraine to stay safe – at least during the winter.
Kopf advocates taking Ukrainians out of basic services and giving them social assistance and a minimum income. On the one hand, this would mean more money for those affected, and on the other, it would include the obligation to work with AMS.
Growing numbers as early as 2023
Analyzing the domestic labor market, Kopf explained that the unemployment rate is currently at its lowest monthly value in 17 years. However, this is likely to change soon. While unemployment is expected to remain stable and low towards the end of the year – especially compared to the end of the previous year (keyword: lockdown) – the forecast for 2023 already looks a little worse.
Because Kopf suspects the numbers are likely to rise again in the first quarter. His reasoning: the first quarter of 2022 was “very good”. He “fears” that in 2023 he will have to announce rising figures in the unemployment rate. Also negative: he assumes that there will be a shortage, especially in the area of skilled workers, which should continue in the coming years.
If he could name just one measure, he would opt for free or at least affordable daycare. Why: Many women would be willing to work longer hours if children were taken care of.
Nav Account mrr Time02.11.2022, 22:36| Act: 11.02.2022, 22:36