According to research from the Institute for Labour Market and Vocational Research, part of the Federal Employment Agency, during the third quarter period of July and September 2016, there were 961,200 job vacancies in Germany, an increase of 9% compared to last year.

Most of the vacancies were in West Germany (760,900 vacancies). In East Germany, the Institute job survey data showed 200,300 open jobs. According to the Institute, the highest increase was recorded in the construction sector. 

Most open positions were available in the areas of "business-related services" (311,000 positions), "other services" (240,000 jobs) and "trade and car repair" (99,000 jobs). The fewest positions were in "agriculture and forestry" (6,000 jobs) and "mining, energy, water, waste" (7,000 jobs).