Data provided by the Federal Employment Agency (FEA) showed that in April, the unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) was 6.3% (the highest level since September 2020), unchanged from March and confirming economists' forecasts.
Meanwhile, the number of unemployed grew by 4 thousand, to 2.922 million people, after an increase of 26 thousand in March. Consensus estimates suggested an increase of 20 thousand. In annual terms, the number of unemployed rose by 182 thousand in April.
Underemployment fell by 3,000 people (seasonally adjusted) compared to the previous month, reaching 3,638,000, which is 69,000 more than a year ago.
"The spring recovery remains comparatively weak in April. Unemployment and underemployment are declining; however, seasonally adjusted, they have changed little," said Andrea Nahles, the head of the labour office.
The report also showed that in April there were 646,000 job vacancies, down by 55,000 from a year ago, indicating weakening labor demand.