Many vacancies in the care sector in Saxony

In Saxony, there is a desperate search for nursing staff. "There are hardly any unemployed skilled workers, but all the more vacancies in the care sector. I don't see a trend reversal in the coming years either, as demographic change and medical progress will continue to increase demand," explained Klaus-Peter Hansen, head of the employment agency in Saxony.

Whether in hospitals, retirement homes or mobile care services, the demand for qualified nursing staff remains high, he said. In 2024, around 1,160 vacancies for nursing staff were registered. This contrasted with 460 unemployed nurses. According to Hansen, the care sector is one of the industries most affected by the shortage of skilled workers. According to calculations, Saxony will be the federal state with the oldest population in 2030.

Part-time women make up the majority of care workers

Part-time women currently make up the majority of care workers in Saxony. Last year, around 100,000 carers worked here in employment subject to social insurance contributions. That is almost 2,000 more than in the previous year. 83,000 of these carers are women, 31,000 of whom are employed full-time and 52,500 part-time. Of the men, 17,500 work in this sector.

Wages for care workers have risen steadily

According to the employment agency, median wages for care workers have risen steadily in recent years. In 2019, the median income was just under 3,000 euros per month, in 2023 it was around 3,800 euros.

BSW wants new care law

May 12 is celebrated as International Care Day. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) warned of a care crisis in Saxony. "With the increasing ageing population in Germany and especially in rural parts of Saxony, the care situation in the Free State will continue to worsen if no political countermeasures are finally taken," explained BSW deputy parliamentary group leader Ronny Kupke. The BSW is calling for a new care law. Among other things, it should reduce the personal contributions of those affected and thus make a place in a nursing home affordable again.