More Unemployed in Hesse Again - Hesse’s unemployment crisis deepens as 2025 job losses hit five-year high
Hesse’s labour market has faced growing challenges in 2025, with unemployment hitting its highest level in five years. By December, over 204,000 people were jobless, marking a steady rise from previous months and years. Experts warn that economic struggles show no signs of easing soon.
Unemployment figures in Hesse climbed to 204,639 on December 11, 2025. This represented an increase of 2,250 from November and 10,300 more than the same period in 2024. The unemployment rate also edged up to 5.8%, a slight rise of 0.1 percentage points from the previous month.
The broader economic picture remains bleak. Bankruptcies across the region surged by over a third compared to 2024. Job vacancies also fell by around 10% over the same period, adding to the pressure on workers. Frank Martin, head of the regional directorate, has cautioned that no quick recovery is in sight. He pointed to an ongoing economic downturn, structural changes in industries, and shifting demographics as key factors behind the struggles. Despite reforms aimed at cutting energy costs, reducing bureaucracy, retaining skilled workers, and boosting public investment, these measures have yet to make a noticeable difference. While national insolvency rates rose by 11.7% in the first three quarters of 2025, Hesse did not see a concentrated spike in any specific sector. Isolated cases, such as a few pharmacies and dental labs facing financial trouble, were reported but did not indicate a wider trend.
The average number of unemployed people in Hesse for 2025 stood at around 206,000, the highest since 2020. With job opportunities shrinking and bankruptcies rising, the region’s economic outlook remains uncertain. Officials continue to monitor the situation as existing reforms take time to yield results.
