These five anomalies affect the AMS statistics

The Austrian job market showed signs of stagnation in August, with unemployment rising by 2.3 percent to nearly 376,000 people, including those in training programs. This increase has been influenced by several notable trends revealed in the statistics compiled by the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). Among these factors are the growing number of women over 60 entering the labor force instead of retiring, a decline in Syrian asylum seekers' unemployment due to increased employment opportunities, a worsening situation for young graduates, a shortage of apprenticeships, and a sharp rise in unemployment in Lower Austria. Women aged over 60 have become the largest contributor to the recent rise in unemployment figures. The gradual alignment of women's retirement age with men's has led more women into the labor market rather than the pension system. In August, this group saw an increase of 2,260 individuals, representing a 36 percent rise to almost 9,000 people. While the overall employment rate among those aged 60 and above rose by 23 percent to 107,000, the growth was less pronounced compared to the surge in unemployment numbers. The AMS is attempting to counterbalance this trend through wage subsidies, although many affected individuals often remain unemployed only temporarily before applying for pensions. According to AMS Director Petra Draxl, the positive aspect is that most of these women continue working longer, thereby securing higher pension entitlements. Syrian asylum seekers and those granted subsidiary protection have experienced a significant drop in unemployment rates. This decrease is attributed to fewer new arrivals, increased returns to their home country, and greater job acceptance among younger Syrians. In August, the number of registered unemployed Syrians dropped by 5,000 to 18,400, marking the lowest level since four years ago. Improved qualifications gained through youth colleges and the removal of social assistance benefits have contributed to higher employment rates. Young Syrians saw an increase in employment by 17 percent to 32,000. Similar improvements were noted among Ukrainian migrants, though the female segment still requires substantial progress. Meanwhile, domestic employment has been shrinking due to demographic reasons outside Vienna, exacerbating the shortage of skilled workers in certain sectors. Young graduates have faced deteriorating conditions in the job market, with unemployment increasing by double digits over recent months. Factors contributing to this include weak economic performance, academic backgrounds that lack direct relevance to the labor market, limited practical experience, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence tools that replace jobs. In August, the number of unemployed young graduates rose by 11 percent to 38,000. Despite this, their unemployment rate remains the lowest among all qualification groups at 3.4 percent. However, the group continues to grow significantly, with around 60,000 individuals completing university degrees annually, compared to just 15,000 in the early 1990s. Graduates with university or college degrees no longer benefit from guaranteed job placements. The shortage of available positions and apprenticeships signals concerns for the upcoming autumn hiring season. The number of open positions reported to the AMS decreased by 1.3 percent in August to just under 80,000 compared to the previous year. The decline was even more pronounced for immediately available apprenticeships, which fell by 15 percent, with a 38 percent drop specifically in Vienna. Although many companies typically begin recruiting in the fall, there is a noticeable reduction in training opportunities within tourism, retail, and public administration. One bright spot is the increase in full-time positions being advertised. Lower Austria stands out in the regional comparison with an above-average increase in unemployment of 6.7 percent, affecting both women (+8.4 percent) and men (+5.3 percent). Certain industries such as scientific and technical services and public administration recorded double-digit increases in unemployment. Draxl explained that Lower Austria is currently experiencing a catch-up effect after having managed well during periods of economic weakness. The weakening industrial sector is now becoming evident in the region, exemplified recently by the insolvency of the traditional automotive supplier Pollmann.