Services (Germany):
Shortage of skilled labour persists

The assessments for the current business situation in the service sector in Germany (excluding trade, banking, leasing, insurance and government services) were only slightly less positive than in September, but with regard to the business outlook optimism has clearly weakened. In comparison to the previous year, a sales plus was again recorded, and increasing demand is also expected in the coming months. Correspondingly, personnel will be expanded further especially since the shortage of specialists is making itself increasingly noticeable. For the near future, survey participants see scope for further price increases.