Lack of skilled labour and shortages of skilled labour in Germany : empirical findings, causes and need for action

Abstract

"Part I of the dissertation will initially provide a clear definition of the terms lack of labour, lack of skilled labour and shortages of skilled labour, which can easily be applied and allows for a differentiation of quite different phenomena. Based on theoretical considerations and numerous empirical findings, the possible causes of relative supply shortages will be established and it will be shown that, so far, the balancing processes on the German labour market have been affected rather by qualitative discrepancies between both sides of the market than by an actual lack of manpower and/or skilled employees. While macroeconomic indicators only allow for insufficient analyses, representative business surveys can provide information on the extent of such shortages and their causes within a short period of time. On the basis of logistic regression models, an investigation will be carried out for the years 2006-2007 which will establish the in-company as well as the external factors that significantly influenced the occurrence of qualification-induced problems of filling positions, as well as the existence of latent vacancies for which companies are no longer looking for staff. The basis for this investigation are data from the IAB's (Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung, Institute for Employment Research) job vacancy survey (IAB-EGS), a representative business survey on vacancies and staffing processes in Germany which includes all industrial sectors and company size classes. From the results of several estimates a clear need for action can be deduced. In particular, realistic and ready-to-compromise personnel planning is necessary as well as the establishment of an attractive employer image on the company side and a significant increase of public education investments on the part of the government.<br> Part II of this dissertation is concerned with the special significance of extra-familial care and education services in daycare centres (incl. nurseries) for the short-term and long-term increase in the supply of skilled employees. Based on numerous findings from brain research, psychology, educational science, sociology and economics, it will be demonstrated that government investments in extra-familial care lead to particular high individual and economic returns and that - at a high supply quality - they can perform three functions at the same time: a) they ensure a long-term improvement of the qualification level of the population, because they increase educational opportunities and promote the individual ability and disposition to learn in a sustainable way, b) they increase the labour supply in the long term via higher birth rates and c) they already increase the supply in the short term by a possible extension of the employment scope of mothers and fathers. The dissertation will then show by means of comprehensive data that the current state of this expansion in Germany is inadequate both regarding the number of places offered in daycare centres and regarding their quality. In particular, there are currently neither binding quality criteria nor is the quality of the care services evaluated. In this context it will also be discussed that the average quality of publicly funded private daycare services is comparatively low and that they are therefore no substitution for professional services in daycare centres. Due to inadequate investments in this field of education, up to now a considerable growth potential has been given away. Considering the increasing relative shortage of skilled workers, Germany can certainly not forego this potential if economic success and the funding of the solidary systems are to be guaranteed for the future as well." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Kettner, A. (2012): Fachkräftemangel und Fachkräfteengpässe in Deutschland. Befunde, Ursachen und Handlungsbedarf. Berlin, 276 p. DOI:10.14279/depositonce-3214