The job market report for Gelsenkirchen and Bottrop reveals mixed trends as of December 2024, shedding light on the local unemployment rates which continue to reflect broader challenges throughout the Ruhrgebiet.
According to the latest figures from the Regionalverband Ruhr (RVR), as of December 2024, the total number of unemployed individuals across the Ruhr area reached 271,070, marking an increase of 10,482 people or 4.0% compared to the same month last year. When compared to November 2024, the number of unemployed rose by 1,365, translating to a 0.5% increase. Consequently, the unemployment rate has risen to 9.9% within the region.
Particularly eye-popping are the figures from Gelsenkirchen, where the unemployment rate stands at 14.8%, the highest among North Rhine-Westphalia's independent cities. Gelsenkirchen reported 20,108 unemployed individuals, slightly up by 19 (+0.1%) from the previous month, and up by 1,073 (+5.6%) from December 2023.
Annette Höltermann, chairwoman of the management of the Gelsenkirchen Employment Agency, stated, “We are registering a slight increase in unemployment within our city this December, reaching 20,108 individuals.” She pointed out, “On the job availability side, we see only marginal declines with 1,157 unfilled positions waiting for the right candidate.” Höltermann emphasized the significance of continuing education for job seekers, as she urged them to explore qualification options for successful re-entry.
Simultaneously, Gelsenkirchen's youth unemployment remains concerning. There were 1,922 individuals aged under 25 recorded as unemployed, though this does represent a decline of 59 from November. Compared to December 2023, this figure reflects an increase of 246 youths, highlighting the growing challenges facing young job seekers.
Turning to Bottrop, the situation appears somewhat more stable. The city reported 4,987 unemployed individuals, which is down by 19 (-0.4%) from the previous month, bringing the unemployment rate to 8.0%. Compared to December last year, Bottrop has seen a modest increase of 100 individuals (+2.0%). Höltermann noted, “The number of unemployed people has decreased slightly, and our unemployment rate stands at 8.0%.”
The age profile of unemployed individuals also shows some relief, with 440 individuals under 25 currently out of work, representing a minor decline of 7 from November. Notably, Bottrop's job center has also indicated progress, with 3,512 unemployed individuals being counted under basic security.
The growth of demand for new employees has been relatively subdued as well. Bottrop's employers reported just 91 new job offers this reporting period, down markedly from previous months and signaling the opportunities available might not shift significantly soon. The open positions largely fell within the areas of transportation and logistics, followed by trades and food service occupations.
Further troubling statistics paint the reality of underemployment across both cities. Gelsenkirchen’s actual underemployment metric reached 25,525 individuals, indicating just how many more people might be seeking full-time positions or additional hours.
Despite the challenging outlook for job seekers, there are some bright spots. Between both cities, the total number of job vacancies remains at 1,157 for Gelsenkirchen and 684 for Bottrop. While these numbers are slightly lower compared to earlier months, they indicate areas where job seekers could still find opportunities if adequately qualified.
More broadly, the unemployment rate across North Rhine-Westphalia also saw advancement, reaching 7.5% during the same timeframe. The report serves as a stark reminder of the continuing challenges faced by the job market post-pandemic.
To address the pressing need for skills development, Höltermann urged job seekers to leverage available educational resources. She stated, “It is imperative for each job seeker to explore their training options to facilitate their return to work successfully.”
Both Gelsenkirchen and Bottrop’s reports indicate the job market requires sustained efforts to tackle unemployment, particularly with creating systematic approaches to youth education and vocational training. Yet the underlying message is clear: With the right skills, the bridge back to employment looks more promising.