Overview

• The August count reached the highest level in 15 years as inflation ticked up to about 2.2 percent.
• Job losses are concentrated in export-facing industries, particularly machinery, construction and the automotive sector.
• Part of the summer jump reflects training contracts ending, a recurring seasonal effect in the labor market.
• Government leaders, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the Union and SPD parliamentary chiefs, point to the threshold as proof that reforms are needed.
• Experts caution this is not a turn toward mass unemployment because healthcare, care work and energy continue to add jobs.