Schwerin in focus: Highest unemployment in all of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania!

Schwerin in focus: Highest unemployment in all of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania!

The labor market situation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is anything but positive in October 2023. With an unemployment rate of 7.6 percent, the state is in 11th place in the national rankings. This is significantly higher than the national average of 6.2 percent. The situation is particularly worrying in the state capital Schwerin, where the unemployment rate has reached its highest level of 10.6 percent. There are also high figures to be reported in the Mecklenburg Lake District South at 9.8 percent.

However, one bright spot is the Rostock district, which has a rate of 5.8 percent, the lowest in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The current figures and reports from the employment agencies show that despite ongoing demand in various sectors, such as manufacturing and health and social services, demand for personnel is rather subdued. There are currently around 15,000 registered jobs subject to social security contributions - 100 fewer than in the previous year. The declines in unemployment that had been recorded in earlier times were abruptly stopped by the corona pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Four years ago, around 53,500 people in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania were unemployed, as the rate at that time of 6.5 percent is reminiscent of.

Political reactions and criticism

The high unemployment in Schwerin is also a source of political discussion. The AfD politician Petra Federau strongly criticizes Mayor Rico Badenschier, who belongs to the SPD, and points to the inadequate measures to combat unemployment. There are calls on social media and in the news for increased accountability and improved practices.

The efforts of political actors stand in stark contrast to the current results on the labor market. While there is still a need for workers in parts of the economy, particularly in trade and services, the problem of unemployment remains and could have a negative impact on the region in the longer term.

A look into the future

But what happens next? The forecasts indicate that unemployment could initially remain stable at this level unless drastic changes in economic policy are made. For this reason, the state government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is relying on new approaches in the labor market in order to meet the needs of employers and employees. Further information can be found on the official website of the State Government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Overall, the situation on the labor market in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania remains tense. The coming months will show whether positive changes are underway or whether developments are going in a different direction.