Economy in Saxony-Anhalt: Warning of deindustrialization and a shortage of skilled workers

Economy in Saxony-Anhalt: Warning of deindustrialization and a shortage of skilled workers

There is movement in the economy of Saxony-Anhalt. Current insights from the IHK Halle-Dessau show that despite a slight improvement in the economic situation, real improvements are still a long time coming. President Sascha Gläßer warns: The glimmers of optimism are based more on hopes than on solid facts. High energy costs remain a major obstacle to the competitiveness of regional companies, even if relief such as a reduction in electricity tax and the abolition of the gas storage levy are in prospect. This reports Hall spectrum.

The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) is also concerned about the situation. Around 40% of current industrial companies are considering limiting their production or even relocating it abroad due to the unfavorable energy situation. This reports DIHK. These considerations are particularly pronounced in companies with more than 500 employees, where more than half are considering a change of location. Confidence in energy policy appears to have been severely damaged, and companies are left uncertain about the measures expected to improve the supply situation.

Deindustrialization and shortage of skilled workers

Gläßer points out that the worrying trend towards deindustrialization is endangering the opportunities of the regional economy. A central topic at the most recent meeting was securing skilled workers. Despite a high level of willingness to train, many apprenticeships remain unfilled - a situation that the IHK no longer wants to accept. Innovative formats such as “BlickPoint Companies” give young people insights into the professional world, while the “Entrepreneurs Do School” project brings entrepreneurs directly into the classroom. Over 1,500 young people have already benefited from these initiatives.

In addition, the energy transition barometer shows a frightening trend: around 21% of industrial companies have already considered production restrictions in 2022, 32% in 2023, 37% are now currently on the brink. In this context, the average barometer value for assessing the energy transition is a modest minus 20, which is the second worst value in history.

The goal of the energy transition

Saxony-Anhalt is now under pressure to push ahead with the restructuring of its energy supply. This will also be on the Website of the State Office for Environmental Protection emphasized. The focus is, among other things, on the implementation of renewable energies in order to cover the high energy requirements. All steps should be carried out with consideration for nature and species protection, which makes it essential to carry out spatial analyzes of existing and potential locations for renewable energies. However, there is still a lot to do to achieve climate goals such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and national targets.

A contradiction that poses significant challenges for the regional economy. Companies are demanding that politicians rethink energy policy. 80% of companies are asking for a reduction in taxes and fees on electricity prices - an issue that is becoming more important than ever.

Overall, there is a worrying picture for industry in Saxony-Anhalt. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether the hoped-for progress will soon become a reality or whether companies will have to consider further negative steps.