German companies are less willing to recruit, as they recruit on a smaller scale than in previous months, the Ifo research institute reported on Friday.

According to the report, the Ifo employment barometer index declined to 110.7 points in January 2017 from 111.8 points in December 2016.

The barometer fell in the sectors of construction, distribution and service, only with the exception of the sector of manufacturing, the Munich-based think tank said.

"Employment growth in Germany is nevertheless expected to continue in 2017," the report noted.

Ifo is one of Europe's major research institutes. Its business climate index is considered among the most important barometers for German economy.

source: Xinhua