Unemployment rate rises to 6.8 percent due to seasonal factors – manufacturing industry still without strength
In January, a total of 15,596 people were registered as unemployed in the city of Frankfurt (Oder), the district of Märkisch-Oderland and the district of Oder-Spree. This is 814 more than in December and 27 fewer than in January 2025. The unemployment rate is 6.8 percent. In January last year, it was 6.9 percent.
Jochem Freyer, head of the East Brandenburg employment agencies, assesses the development: "The rise in unemployment has come to a standstill compared to the previous year. However, the economy still lacks the strength for an upturn. The service sector is the mainstay of the labor market, while the manufacturing industry continues to lose jobs. Despite many vacancies, it is currently not easy for jobseekers with disabilities to find a new position. We are mainly looking for skilled workers and not every job is suitable for everyone - no matter how motivated they are."
Tino Kriegl, Head of the Oder-Spree municipal job center: "The job market in the Oder-Spree district is off to a balanced start in 2026 – albeit without much momentum. The unemployment rate currently stands at 6.7 percent, which is slightly below the January figure for the previous year (6.8 percent). In the area of basic benefits for jobseekers, it is 4.2 percent – also a small decrease compared to the January 2025 figure (4.5 percent).
The positive trend is continuing in terms of benefit communities and those eligible for benefits: with 5,709 benefit communities and 7,339 employable beneficiaries, the figures are significantly below the previous year's level – a decrease of 6.7 and 6.5 percent respectively.
One of the most important tasks remains to get people who have been unemployed for a long time or permanently receiving benefits back into work. In doing so, we rely on tailored advice, targeted training and close cooperation with companies in the region.
However, our focus extends beyond professional integration. Social participation – i.e. the opportunity to actively participate in social life, whether through work, commitment or social contacts – is a particular concern for us at the Oder-Spree municipal job center.
For 2026, we expect a reliable, moderately positive development of the labour market overall. Our goal is to further strengthen people's potential, create new employment opportunities and promote social participation."
Marco Schulz, Managing Director of Jobcenter Märkisch-Oderland: "Even at the start of the new year, many employers with more than 900 vacancies are still urgently looking for workers and trainees. In order to bring companies and our customers together directly, the job center and the employment agency will be holding several regional events in 2026. A larger event will take place on 26.03.26: In order to be able to suggest well-trained and qualified personnel to companies on the one hand, we are holding an education fair at the Strausberg job center. Various providers of further vocational training and qualification will present themselves and their offers in line with the requirements of the labor market. These requirements and the content of further training can be discussed on site and if further training matches the personal requirements, placement specialists will be on hand to issue a corresponding training voucher. Interested parties can obtain further information from their contact persons at the job center and the employment agency and, as usual, on our homepage or in the APP."
Stefanie Dörfel, Managing Director of Jobcenter Frankfurt (Oder): "In addition to specialist qualifications, digitalization issues are becoming increasingly important in the world of training and work. Confident handling of technology and user software is already one of the necessary skills and abilities. In many industries, it is expected that work on the computer will run smoothly. Preparing for this and being well prepared now is a common challenge. The Jobcenter staff will be happy to advise you on this and also on the options for acquiring this knowledge and skills. For this purpose, personal appointments or appointments for a telephone or video consultation can be booked via our online scheduling system."