Marketization of Placement Services as a Double Re-Commodification of Labour

Abstract

This article analyses the consequences of the outsourcing of job placement services to private placement agencies and the introduction of placement vouchers in Germany, which took place at the same time, both on an institutional and an individual level. The engagement of private agencies is related to general criticism of the service quality of public job placement, the conceptions of an 'activating' employment policy in the context of a provident welfare state, and a trend towards general privatisation of public services. First, an overview of legal regulations on the introduction of a job placement market is given. Subsequently, the services provided by publicly subsidised private suppliers are analysed and evaluated. In concluding, the consequences of this new German system of 'marketization' of public services for the employment-seeking are analysed. (IAB)

Cite article

Kaps, P. (2009): Marketization of placement services as a double re-commodification of labour. In: F. Larsen & R. van Berkel (Hrsg.) (2009): The new governance and implementation of labour market policies, p. 95-113.