German businesses are predicting a boom year in 2006, boosted by the country's hosting of the soccer World Cup tournament.
A study by the German Chamber of Commerce forecasts this summer's competition will create 60,000 new jobs. The organization's president, Ludwig Georg Braun, also predicts "a 0.3% growth rate to the country".
The study says the tournament, which features 36 national teams from across the globe, will create jobs in hospitality management, advertising, professional security and short-term employment services.
The jobs boost will be welcomed following the release of figures by the Federal Statistics Office which show that the number of employed Germans fell by 0.3% in 2005 to around 38.7 million. According to the FSO this is "roughly the same level as in 2003".
Construction, agriculture and manufacturing jobs contracted by 5%, 2.2% and 1.7% respectively.
Data sourced from DW-World (Germany); additional content by WARC staff
