Integration subsidies as an instrument of active labour market policy : an implementation study

Abstract

"Integration subsidies are among the most important instruments in active labour market policy. They aim at improving the chances that job-seekers with barriers to placement have of finding a job. Integration subsidies provide employers with temporary subsidies towards wage costs and social security contributions. In employment offices and job centres, such subsidies are generally seen as a suitable instrument through which to integrate persons with barriers to placement into the labour market. However the subsidies are not free of criticism, among other things because of possible bandwagon effects. The study reconstructs the way integration subsidies are dealt with by case managers at employment offices and job centres, employers, and job-seekers. The results show that the effects of integration subsidies essentially depend on the human resources strategies of companies which can only be observed and influenced by case managers in employment offices and job centres to a limited degree. The study is based on case studies at public employment offices, job centres and companies, as well as on group discussions with employees who are being subsidised." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Brussig, M., Schwarzkopf, M. & Stephan, G. (2011): Eingliederungszuschüsse als Instrument der Arbeitsmarktpolitik. Eine Implementationsstudie. (IAB-Bibliothek 329), Bielefeld: Bertelsmann, 239 p. DOI:10.3278/300748w