Losses running into billions of dollars and a lack of innovation due to skilled labour shortages threaten SMEs - with the new position paper calling for targeted investments in education and training
Skills and Labour shortages remain one of the most pressing issues for Germany’s Mittelstand. Der Mittelstand. BVMW e.V. ’s position paper on “skilled Labour shortage” makes it clear that immediate political measures must be taken to ensure the competitiveness of companies and, in turn, the future of the German economy.
The numbers speak for themselves: the German economy is losing tens of billions of euros every year due to a lack of qualified people. SMEs in particular suffer from this bottleneck, as it slows down innovation and seriously impacts business operations. “Our businesses have their backs against the wall. The skilled labour shortage has long become a structural problem affecting us all.” Hagen Wolfstetter, spokesperson for the BVMW’s Labour and Social Affairs Committee, demanded: “It’s time for politicians to take action and stop just talking about possible solutions.” Thiemo Fojkar, spokesperson for the BVMW Education Committee and deputy spokesperson for the BVMW Executive Committee, explained: “Promoting further education and training within companies is a key area that we can no longer ignore. We need targeted investments in education and training now to ensure the employability of the workforce of the future”.
The Labour and Social Affairs Committee and the Education Committee set out four pillars for retaining skilled workers in their position papers. Political positions and demands are set out on issues such as the balance of family and career, the potential of silver workers, skilled labor migration, and continuing education and vocational training. In the coming weeks, the BVMW will discuss these topics in depth with political decision-makers and actively represent the interests of its member companies. Together, we aim to find solutions that strengthen SMEs and make them fit for the future.