Unemployment rose again in May – Minister Schumann calls for a rethink regarding older workers

The group of long-term unemployed is particularly affected. Their number rose to 102,788 people, an increase of 13.0 percent or 11,837 individuals. The proportion of long-term unemployed among all registered unemployed persons now stands at 34 percent.

Unemployment among women increased significantly by 5.0 percent in May, while unemployment among men was slightly declining, falling by 0.7 percent. For individuals with foreign citizenship, unemployment decreased slightly by 0.2 percent, whereas for Austrian nationals, it rose by 3.3 percent.

Dramatic increase in women over 60

The AMS recorded a sharp increase in women aged 60 and over: their number rose by 32 percent compared to the previous year. While the absolute number of around 8,100 affected individuals is still comparatively small, the trend is cause for concern. Around 47 percent of unemployed women in this age group have health limitations.

Labor and Social Affairs Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) called on companies to rethink their approach in a press release. "Older job seekers must have the chance to re-enter the workforce, especially in economically difficult times," Schumann stated.

Apprenticeship market under pressure

The labor market is also showing slight signs of deterioration for young people. Youth unemployment rose by 0.7 percent or 210 people at the end of May. The number of immediately available apprenticeship seekers registered with the AMS even increased by 11.4 percent, while the number of open apprenticeship positions significantly decreased compared to the previous year.

A small glimmer of hope is offered by the inflow of job vacancies at the AMS: in May, 0.7 percent more new positions were reported than in the same month last year. Whether this slight increase can curb the negative overall trend remains to be seen.