Germany's unemployment rate in July rises to 9-month high of 5.4%

ANKARA

Germany's unemployment rate rose to a nine-month high of 5.4% in July, fueled by Ukraine war refugees registering with the labor office looking for work.

Germany's Federal Employment Agency said 2.47 million people were unemployed during the month, a rise of 107,000, yet the figure was 120,000 fewer people than reported in July 2021.

"Unemployment and underemployment grew more strongly than is normal for the season in July," said agency official Daniel Terzenbach. "On the whole, the labor market remains stable despite all stresses and uncertainties."

The agency also said conditions are favorable for job seekers, saying that there were 881,000 openings reported in July, 136,000 more than reported in July 2021.