Inflation - Association boss warns: tradesmen will probably become even more expensive
Consumers have to prepare for even higher prices for craft services. Crafts President Jörg Dittrich told the German Press Agency that costs and wages are rising, while sales are slightly decreasing. "I understand that there are people who ask: 'Why are craftsmen so expensive?' We in the craft sector share this concern, because we are dependent on customers who can afford our services and products."
If craft services become unaffordable, there is a risk that offers will disappear or that they will be pushed more strongly into the black market, according to the President of the Central Association of German Crafts. "This is neither in the interest of crafts nor of society. Where we see this threatening development to some extent is among hairdressers. The challenges for labor-intensive business sectors are particularly great due to the rising social security contributions. The craft sector is particularly disadvantaged here. It is crucial that the factor labor is relieved."
Craftsmen are complaining about the unreliability of politics.
Dittrich had already stated that the craft sector has been warning for years that contributions are getting out of control if the financing of the social insurance systems is not fundamentally reformed.
In the craft sector, there is a visible concern that things are slipping backwards. "There is a lack of reliability in political decisions and a lack of planning security: This holds back many craft businesses from investments. However, private investments in large quantities are needed to get the economy moving again."
Jörg Dittrich, the President of the Central Association of German Crafts, highlighted that the craft sector is struggling with rising costs, wages, and decreasing sales, leading to higher prices for consumers due to inflation. This situation could potentially force craft services into the black market, which isn't beneficial for the industry or society. Dittrich emphasized that the rising social security contributions pose a significant challenge for labor-intensive business sectors, especially the craft sector, which is highly affected by this issue.
