A concerning trend is emerging in Germany regarding the efficacy of job placement programs for citizens receiving basic income support (“Bürgergeld”), according to a special evaluation by the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). The evaluation, obtained by AfD parliamentarian René Springer and reported by “Bild”, reveals a significant decline in the long-term success of these placements, raising serious questions about the sustainability of current practices and the efficacy of government spending.
The data indicates that in 2024, less than half of those placed into employment through job center programs maintained their jobs for a period of three months. Specifically, only approximately 47.9% of job placements proved “need-covering” meaning the individuals remained employed and independent of state support. Conversely, over half (52.1%) of Bürgergeld recipients who secured employment reverted to reliance on state benefits or required supplementary income within that three-month window. This represents a noticeable deterioration compared to 2021, when 51.6% of placements remained independent of Bürgergeld assistance after three months.
The situation is particularly precarious for individuals under the age of 25, with a success rate of just 46.3% in 2024. Disparities are also evident when comparing outcomes for German citizens and foreign nationals. While 51.4% of German nationals secured long-term employment independence following placement in 2024, this figure was only 44.7% for non-German nationals.
The findings have prompted criticism and calls for a comprehensive review of job center practices. René Springer emphasized the urgent need for a “test” of current practices, arguing that a renewed focus on achieving “sustainable” integration into the labor market is paramount. Critics suggest the evaluation highlights a systemic issue, possibly stemming from inadequate training programs, insufficient job matching, or a failure to address underlying barriers faced by vulnerable populations attempting to enter the workforce. The data risks fueling debates surrounding the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of social welfare programs and placing increased scrutiny on the performance of job centers nationwide.