Germany IAB labour market barometer
Germany IAB labour market barometer stood at 99.6 in Sep 2026, according to ifo Institute and Institute for Employment Research (IAB). It is one of the indicators in the Labour market leading indicators table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Feb 2011 to Sep 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Labour market leading indicators table
| Indicator | 09-2026 | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAB Labour Market Barometer2 | 99.6 | 99.5 | 99.5 | 99.6 | 99.6 | 99.6 | 99.6 | 99.8 | 100.1 | 100.1 | |
| Component A: unemployment outlook | 99.9 | 99.5 | 99.5 | 99.3 | 99.1 | 99.1 | 98.8 | 99 | 99.7 | 99.9 | |
| Component B: employment outlook | 99.3 | 99.4 | 99.4 | 99.9 | 100.1 | 100.1 | 100.4 | 100.5 | 100.4 | 100.2 |
Understanding germany IAB labour market barometer
The combined outlook for the entire national labor environment is captured by this composite leading indicator, formulated from the internal assessments of local employment agencies. It amalgamates expectations for both job creation and joblessness into a single overarching metric. Unlike the enterprise-focused firm surveys that only measure hiring intent, this barometer leverages the frontline institutional knowledge of agency directors regarding local placement dynamics, benefit claims, and labor supply. It serves as a unified measure of labor market friction and capacity, blending both the supply and demand sides of the workforce equation.
The barometer is calibrated around a neutral threshold, making absolute level assessments just as important as monthly directional changes. A reading above the midpoint signals an overall improving labor situation, while a reading below indicates deterioration. Period-on-period analysis is the standard approach for timing economic inflection points. Users should avoid comparing the index values directly against actual unemployment rates or employment levels, as the barometer predicts the impending shift in labor market conditions rather than the current stock of jobs.
Frequently asked questions
- Who provides the responses that make up this barometer?
- The data is collected through regular surveys of the directors of all local employment agencies across the country.
- What does the neutral midpoint represent?
- The neutral value indicates that the overall labor market conditions are expected to remain completely stable over the forecast horizon.
- Is this a survey of businesses looking to hire?
- No, it relies on the expert assessments of local employment agency heads rather than direct surveys of private enterprises.