Crisis in the craft sector: “Companies are dying quietly”

Crisis in the skilled trades “Silent death of companies” Status: November 15, 2026 • 12:15 p.m

Fewer orders, rising costs: Crafts President Dittrich warns that the industry could lose up to 80,000 jobs per year - if countermeasures are not taken.

Despite the higher growth forecasts for Germany, the crisis in the craft sector is getting worse, warns trade president Jörg Dittrich. “Our business climate index is at the level of the corona pandemic, investments have fallen to the level of the financial crisis,” said the President of the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) to the newspapers of the Funke media group, according to the preliminary report.

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Dittrich warns that the skilled trades will "lose between 70,000 and 80,000 jobs per year" if countermeasures are not taken. In the past two years alone, more than 150,000 jobs have been lost in the skilled trades. “Many owners lack confidence, others simply lack the financial means. And then they close,” explained Dittrich. One is experiencing a “silent death of the companies”.

The high cost of living would also put the craftsmen under pressure. "If you spend a lot of money at the gas station, you're more likely to consider going to the hairdresser less or buying one less cake or piece of jewelry."

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Dittrich is calling for a reduction in additional wage costs in order to stop the development. He also demands that the coalition keep its promises. In addition, the ban on Sunday baking should be lifted: bakers are only allowed to bake for three hours on Sundays and public holidays - while bakery shops are allowed to bake for an unlimited period of time. From the perspective of the Chamber of Crafts, this leads to a noticeable unequal treatment of craft businesses compared to baking stations, gas stations and branch concepts. In the coalition agreement it was agreed to abolish the ban on Sunday baking. However, this has not happened so far, nor has the flexibilization of working hours or the electricity tax reduction for all craft businesses, said Dittrich.

Since the cold progression is not being eliminated, there is a “creeping increase in corporate taxes”. The planned abolition of the receipt requirement does not help either. Because now there should be an obligation to provide digital documents, which will entail high investments. Successful vocational training programs would also be canceled or shortened. “It is disgraceful how the craft is treated,” said Dittrich.

This topic in the program: NDR Info | News | 11/15/2026 | 9:00 a.m