German Labor Market Remains Resilient Despite Growth Struggles

  • Joblessness rises by 5,000; economists estimated 20,000 gain
  • Labor market holding up well despite challenges, Nahles says
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German unemployment increased less than expected in December — a sign that companies are hesitant to cut hard-to-come-by staff even during a recession.

Joblessness rose by just 5,000 at the end of last year, compared with an estimate in a Bloomberg survey for a 20,000 gain. The unemployment rate ticked up to 5.9% from a revised 5.8%.