According to provisional figures by the Federal Statistical Office, the number of employees in handicraft businesses, which are subject to authorization, increased by 0.2% as of end of September 2007 as compared to September 2006. At the same time turnover generated by handicraft companies in the third quarter this year increased by 1.2% in comparison with the same quarter last year.
The strongest increase in employees (3.5%) was registered in those handicraft businesses meeting industrial demand. In those producing foodstuffs and motor vehicle components employment grew by 1.2% and 0.2% respectively. Fewer employees were registered in the main construction trade, the wellness and hair craft business. The biggest reduction in the number of employees was in the hair craft business with -2.3%. 