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The Fulda region continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in Hesse, but there is no sign of a real spring upturn.
Fulda – In March the number of unemployed fell slightly to 5,243, which is 45 fewer than in February. The unemployment rate is now 4.0 percent after 4.1 percent in the previous month; a year ago it was 3.9 percent. According to the Bad Hersfeld-Fulda employment agency, Fulda continues to have the lowest unemployment in Hesse, with the state average at 6.0 percent.
However, a year-on-year comparison shows the weaker economy: Compared to March 2025, unemployment in the region rose by 210 people or by 4.2 percent.
Hardly any spring revival: unemployment in Fulda is only falling slightly
There are currently 2,287 people registered as unemployed at the employment agency in Fulda – 295 more than a year ago, an increase of 14.8 percent. The Fulda district job center has 2,956 unemployed people, 2.8 percent fewer than in the previous year. Younger unemployed people under the age of 25 are disproportionately affected by the increase: their number increased by 19.5 percent.
“On the one hand, these are young women and men who were not taken on by their training companies after their training or were only taken on for a shorter period of time due to the economic situation,” explains Katharina Henkel, chairwoman of the Bad Hersfeld-Fulda employment agency. Younger adults are often affected first when the economic situation is difficult.
On the other hand, people who are looking for a job in another company after completing their training registered as unemployed. The labor market today is characterized by more frequent changes and more dynamism, says Henkel; Dropping out of training also played a role. “With our advice, we want to work with young people to help them start their careers. And there are a variety of options.”
More vacancies reported than in the previous year – especially for skilled workers
At the Fulda district job center, the increase in the group of under-25s is primarily attributed to increased access by young refugees. Markus Vogt, specialist service manager for the municipal labor market, hopes to give these young women and men quick access to language courses as well as to the training and labor market.
Despite the weaker economy, employment opportunities in the region remain good. The employment agency's employer service currently has 1,464 vacancies – 60 more than in March 2025. Skilled workers are particularly in demand in health and social services, in trade (excluding motor vehicle sales), in corporate management and administration, in personnel services, in the construction industry (especially civil engineering) and in production.
