Long-term recipients of Unemployment Benefit II: unexpected transitions into gainful employment

Abstract

"Welfare benefits recipients with multiple labour market impediments have a low probability of finding a job that enables them to overcome welfare dependence. This explorative qualitative study is based on a sample of these rare transitions from a large-scale representative study. It investigates individual and structural factors that allow such transitions. Such transitions occur when recipients are in a state of increased motivation and self-confidence. While standardized ways of job application frequently fail as labour market barriers become obvious in their CVs, the interviewed long-term recipients are often successful by exerting various creative forms of unsolicited applications and when they have access to supportive social networks. Successful transitions are more likely to occur in less competitive economic environments, for example in owner-operated small businesses or in expanding segments of the social sector." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Hirseland, A., Kerschbaumer, L., Küsters, I. & Trappmann, M. (2019): Langzeitleistungsbeziehende im SGB II: Unerwartete Übergänge in bedarfsdeckende Arbeit. (IAB-Kurzbericht 20/2019), Nürnberg, 12 p.