The number of employed people in Germany in the first quarter of 2016 rose to 43.1 million, an increase of 533,000 or 1.3%, compared to the same period last year according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).

Increases in employment were recorded mainly in the service sector compared with the previous quarter primarily due to sustained demand made by employees in the field of services. 

The largest absolute employment gains were in the service sector, compared to the previous quarter. For public service, education, health, there was a 1.7% increase, the corporate services had a 2.7% increase and the trade, transport and hospitality had an increase of 1.5%, compared to the previous quarter.