Abstract

The project analyses offer and demand of small jobs exempted from social security contributions of workers, so-called mini-jobs (up to 400€ a month with no worker contribution) and midi-jobs (reduced contribution rates for workers). The new legal framework of 2003 led to a considerable increase in this type of employment.

The project aims at testing the hypothesis of large scale substitution of jobs covered by social security contributions before by these small jobs.

The legal ammendment was supposed to create entry positions to the labour market to build bridges into insured employment. Up to now it has not been verified whether the small jobs are stepping stones or an additional source of income for a marginal workforce and benefit recipients.