In the first half of the year, 8,313 community service orders were filed, which represents a decrease of 9.4 percent compared to the same period in 2023. From January to June, 5,613 civil servants were appointed, which represents 89.1 percent coverage of needs. This corresponds to an increase of 2.1 percent compared to 2023.
The decrease in the number of community service sentences can be explained by a general decrease in the number of volunteers. There are also no more remnants from the Corona year 2020.
It is expected that demand coverage will increase further to around 90 percent by the end of the year. According to Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP), State Secretary for Youth and Volunteering, 100 percent capacity is not possible due to short-term cancellations.
Innovations in the Community Service Amendment
In addition to the recently increased basic salary from 536.10 euros (2023) to 585.10 euros (2024), an amendment to the community service order adopted by parliament in July also brings with it some innovations. The amendment to the law now makes it possible to take action against “system evaders” by having the civil service conduct an investigation by a specialist.
Furthermore, under certain circumstances, divisibility of the community service order will be possible. In addition, parental months and leave hours per hour (previously only full days) will be introduced and the preferential allocation will be extended to the areas of geriatric care and hospitals.
The areas of application of civil servants are diverse
The three areas with the most allocations are emergency services, with 41.3 percent of allocations, social assistance and assistance for the disabled (24.2 percent) and elderly care (12.4 percent).
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
