German firms less willing to hire in December

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - German companies have been less willing to hire employees in December, compared to the previous month, the Munich-based Ifo Institute for Economic Research said Tuesday.

The Ifo employment barometer fell to 102.9 points in December, down from 103.9 points in November.

"Due to the current wave of the coronavirus, three industries have announced layoffs: hospitality, events, and tourism ... In retail, hiring has come to an almost complete stop for now," it said in a report.

However, the employment barometer rose again in manufacturing, the institute noted.