I do hereby certify that the following translation is not a machine translation, but done by a human translator and lightly edited by a native speaker.
The Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) warns against a serious shortage of skilled labour when the economic pick-up sets in.
The association has published the results of a survey which it has recently completed, pointing out that 16 per cent of companies cannot fill their vacancies. Although this percentage was 39 per cent four years ago, the present situation is believed to be the calm before the storm.
Due to declining school-leaver numbers, companies must be prepared to face severe placement problems in the near future. Temp agencies have already been affected. More than 60 per cent of temporary work agencies are having considerable problems finding skilled labour and are frequently unable to fill vacancies. Since the temporary staffing industry is considered to be an early indicator of economic and labour market trends, this figure may be significant. According to the survey, in which 20000 companies took part, demand for personnel is greater in temp agencies than in other industry sectors, but other lines of businesses like IT service providers, pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, and car manufacturers are affected more than average.
In addition, the study says that more than half of the companies questioned intend to take on more apprentices and to further train and develop existing employees. 15 per cent of organizations want to concentrate on the best agers` labour market in order to offset the shortage of qualified personnel. These ideas challenge the present culture of early retirement and are a long overdue step into the right direction. [Translator’s note: scientific evidence proves that it is biologically possible to work up to the age of 67 without detriment to the quality of work. Best agers are efficient, mellowed and more relaxed than their younger colleagues, competent, and less prone to handing in sick notes.]
Politicians will have to change their approach to making the most of best agers and abolish special legal arrangements and current wage settlements encouraging early retirement in order to improve best agers` chances of keeping their jobs or finding new ones.