Demand from businesses for new workers is at an all-time high in Germany, according to Federal Employment Agency figures published on Monday.

The vacancies index compiled by the Federal Employment Agency rose by two points to the level of 256 points in July, the highest ever reading of the official barometer since its introduction in 2005. The Nuremberg-based government agency noted that the number of vacancies offered by companies had increased across most sectors of the economy.

The highest demand for new workers was measured in the information and communications technology industries. The retail, industrial manufacturing and public administration sectors all reported large annual increases in the number of vacancies as well. Education was the only sector of the economy to witness a decline in demand for labor.

The Federal Employment Agency attributed record demand for labor in Germany to the country's lasting economic momentum. Although several official institutes and think-tanks have recently downgraded their forecasts for 2018, strong growth continued to translate into improved employment prospects for the time being. Additionally, low unemployment levels meant that workers currently felt more confident in switching jobs.

The government agency reiterated earlier warnings on Monday that some sectors of the economy, such as health-care and nursing, faced a serious shortage of skilled workers. This circumstance was reflected in the record vacancies index as well as many job openings remained unfilled over longer periods of time.

The Federal Employment Agency is scheduled to release official unemployment figures for July on Tuesday. Joblessness traditionally rises slightly during the summer months as a consequence of people going on holiday. Back in June, labor market officials counted the lowest number of inhabitants formally-registered as unemployed in Germany since the beginning of nationwide measurements in 1990.