Beschäftigung mit Kurzarbeiterregelung weiter stabilisieren

Abstract

"In 2009, the eligibility for business-cycle-related and seasonal short-time work subsidies was facilitated, for a period limited to 2010. The accordingly necessary legal changes took place in the light of a severe general economic situation and negative prospects for the labour market. The attractiveness of short-time work has risen considerably as a result of this re-regulation. Altogether, the increase in unemployment was thereby alleviated. In its statement, the IAB comments on a petition filed by the Social Democrat (SPD) parliamentary party that aims at improving the conditions for short-time work.<br> A prolonged reimbursement of social security contributions for short-time workers would maintain the current regulation on the facilitated eligibility for short-time work subsidy. Small establishments in particular could profit from such a regulation, as it can be expected that they will increasingly require subsidy support. The costs that still remain for companies, even in case of a complete reimbursement of social security contributions, will further restrain possible opportunistic effects and the risks of structural rigidities. However, in the IAB's opinion, the privileged treatment of multi-establishment companies in the reimbursement of social security contributions should be abolished.<br> Further support of qualification measures during periods of short-time work appears as an adequate political option. In particular, the support of low-skilled short-time workers' qualification should be facilitated. Additionally, it is recommendable to continue the European Social Fund's (ESF) guideline, which thus far only applies to years 2009 and 2010. Furthermore, it would be advisable in the application of appropriate qualification measures to further reimburse social security contributions entirely and from the very first month.<br> An extension of the maximum transfer period of short-time work subsidy to 36 months, currently, however, could be misinterpreted as the signal of a medium-term subsidy and thus increase the risk of structural rigidities." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Deeke, A. & Spitznagel, E. (2010): Beschäftigung mit Kurzarbeiterregelung weiter stabilisieren. Öffentliche Anhörung von Sachverständigen vor dem Ausschuss für Arbeit und Soziales des Deutschen Bundestags am 19. April 2010. (IAB-Stellungnahme 02/2010), Nürnberg, 11 p.