If you need a plumber, roofer or electrician in Germany, you either need to be well connected or have a lot of patience. The shortage of skilled workers is increasing. Figures from the Labor Market and Occupational Research Institute (IAB) on Monday sound the alarm:

The already strained German labor market will lose seven million workers by 2035 unless strong measures are taken.

The main reason for this is that many employees in the so-called baby boomer years will retire soon. However, according to the research, the problem can be solved or at least mitigated if it is possible to increase the employment rate and enable targeted migration, for example among older people and immigrants.

“The shrinkage can only be halted if all levers are put in place to keep the elderly at work, strengthen women’s professional development, attract and integrate immigrants, further reduce unemployment and increase the birth rate,” the IAB said. researcher Enzo Weber.

Until now, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) has not been able to do this quickly and consistently enough. “Too many unemployed still can’t find jobs and too many people who want to get an education are unable to get an apprenticeship, people with a migrant background are discriminated against, skilled workers are employed in non-specialized occupations, many quit their jobs – for example in care, the social sector and gastronomy”, DGB board member He criticized Anja Piel.

People with disabilities need better access to work, while older workers need decent working conditions. First of all, companies have a role to play: “Employers who do not train their employees and pay low wages cannot also complain loudly about the lack of skilled workers,” he said.