Long-term unemployment has recently fallen sharply from a record high as a result of the pandemic. At the peak in April last year, there were 148,436 long-term unemployed. At the end of July 2022, there were 84,208 people, 64,228 fewer. Long-term unemployment is at its lowest level in eight years. This is according to a recent press release from the Ministry of Labor.
According to the broadcast, Labor Minister Martin Kocher (ÖVP) said the drop in the number of long-term unemployed was due to the “Springboard” program.
Combination wage subsidies, integration in employment projects
This program promotes jobs for the long-term unemployed. Support is available in the form of combined wage subsidies and integration into non-profit employment projects and socio-economic companies.
267.4 million euros distributed
About 35 percent of the sponsored participants were over the age of 50 and 30 percent had health problems. 42 percent of these people had previously been unemployed for two years. At the end of July 2022, a total of EUR 267.4 million had been disbursed under this programme.
“Experience has shown that long-term unemployment is that part of unemployment that becomes particularly entrenched and therefore particularly difficult to combat. It is therefore all the more gratifying that the Springboard program has succeeded in reducing long-term unemployment by more than 64,000 people since its peak in April 2021,” said Kocher.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
