Freedom of movement within the European Single Market and migration from non-EU countries present great opportunities for the job market, especially in light of the growing shortage of skilled and unskilled labour. But they also present challenges, not least in terms of labour market integration and the social inclusion of refugees. Other major challenges for the German labour market include digitalisation, automation, decarbonisation and the downturn in international trade.
All of these developments have a considerable impact on regional disparities, for example in terms of the differences between urban and rural areas, or the regional distribution of companies, sectors and occupations. There are also significant variations within regions. In cities, in particular, success in the labour market and the chances of integration – especially for young people, women and refugees – hinge on the socio-economic structure of the local neighbourhood, the availability of housing and access to transport and other infrastructure.
Discrimination against foreigners and the recognition of professional qualifications, as well as how the intention to stay impacts on investment in human capital in the destination country, are just some of the aspects in the spotlight in 2024. A particular focus is on people from Ukraine who are fleeing the war and seeking refuge in Germany, among other places.
The IAB bases its research primarily on its own surveys, including the IAB-SOEP migration sample, the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees, and the IAB-BiB/FReDa-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees from Ukraine. Furthermore, the panel on remigration and repeated migration patterns marks the start of a major new survey investigating the reasons why some of the people who have migrated to Germany leave the country again.
Regional disparities are analysed at various levels and forecasts made regarding the development of regional labour markets. Several projects use georeferenced data to research how the socio-economic composition of the neighbourhood and the accessibility of jobs affect the success of various groups in the labour market. We also explore whether the trend for working from home is widening job-seekers’ search areas and companies’ catchment areas.
Activities
- Publications on the topic: International and Regional Labour Markets
- Projects on the topic: International and Regional Labour Markets
Departments
- Research Department Establishments and Employment
- Research Department Education, Training, and Employment Over the Life Course
- Research Department Joblessness and Social Inclusion
- Research Department Migration and International Labour Studies
- Research Department Regional Labour Markets
- Regional Research Network
- Junior Research Group Occupations and Employment Trajectories
- Working Group Gender Studies
- Working Group Migration and Integration
