Düsseldorf (dpa / lnw) - The consequences of the Ukraine war are also making themselves felt on North Rhine-Westphalia's labor market. In July, 687,723 people were registered as unemployed in the state, which is 4.5 percent (around 30,000) more than in the previous month, as the NRW regional directorate of the Federal Employment Agency announced on Friday in Düsseldorf. The main reason is that many Ukrainian refugees are now registered and reported as unemployed.
The unemployment rate rose by 0.3 percentage points to 7 percent. The quota had already climbed in June. A year ago, the situation was worse than it is now, when the rate was 7.4 percent.
Normally, the increase in unemployment in the summer is due to young people registering for a transitional period after completing their education. However, due to the Ukraine effect, unemployment rose more than usual. Refugee Ukrainians have been able to apply for basic security for jobseekers in the job centers since June. They had previously received benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
When looking after the Ukrainians in the job centers, "services for daily living, the costs for accommodation and heating were the priority," said the head of the NRW regional directorate, Torsten Withake. The next steps are now to advise people on the job market, to provide qualifications and to support the necessary language acquisition. "With us, the Ukrainian refugees find an absorbing labor market, especially for qualified workers," said Withake.
In general, skilled workers in North Rhine-Westphalia's job market still have a good chance of finding a permanent position. Around 175,000 vacancies have been registered with employment agencies.
