In March alone, the number of unemployed in Germany increased by 78,000 people compared to the same period last year. According to data from the Federal Employment Agency, published on March 31, 2009, there are currently 3.586 million unemployed in Germany. This figure amounts to 8.6% of the total working-age population.
As Deutsche Welle notes, since the start of statistical recording in 1928, this is the first registered increase in unemployment in Germany in March compared to February. In previous years, the traditional spring revival of the economy contributed to a decrease in the number of unemployed in the country, but this time the global financial and economic crisis had a negative impact on employment indicators.
The significant deterioration of the situation is eloquently evidenced by the requests coming to the Federal Employment Agency for compensation payments to employees of companies that are planned to be put on part-time work. Between November 2008 and February 2009, German companies asked the employment agency to allow them to put 1.625 million employees on reduced hours. According to preliminary data, for 740,000 workers, the decision will be positive.