Saxony's skilled crafts sector is shrinking - companies demand relief

Saxon tradespeople feel confronted with increasing burdens and are demanding noticeable relief. The number of craft businesses fell slightly by 360 to 54,174 in the first half of the year, according to a statement from the Crafts Association. The reasons for this were the generally difficult economic situation and the poor economic framework conditions, as well as the age-related closure of businesses and the shortage of skilled workers due to demographic developments.

Businesses in the construction and finishing trades have been hit hardest by the decline. However, while the number of roofers in the construction trades requiring a license remained stable in the last six months, the number of bricklayers and concrete workers fell significantly. In the trades not requiring a license, the group of health and personal care businesses and cleaning trades in particular declined, such as building cleaners and beauticians.