This is why many recipients of the 'citizen's income' do not look for work at all.
Many adults receiving citizen income say they are unable or unwilling to look for work, and a new survey shows that health issues and weak support from employment offices play a key role. The results paint a troubling picture for policymakers.
According to a study conducted by the Institute for Applied Economic Research (IAW) on behalf of the Bertelsmann Foundation, 57 percent of citizens aged 25 to 50 have not looked for work at all in the past four weeks. Meanwhile, only 17 percent said they dedicated ten hours or more to job searching.
Health problems were the most common reason for not searching. Three out of four who are not looking for work said that illness limits their ability. Half of the participants mentioned the lack of suitable jobs, and a quarter said that work would not improve their financial situation. Some admitted to preferring to earn money informally rather than applying for jobs.
The survey shows clear differences between genders. 63 percent of women are not looking for work compared to 53 percent of men, and the reasons include responsibilities for caring for children or the elderly and fear of repeated rejection of job applications.
The employment offices faced sharp criticism. 43 percent of participants said they had not received any job offers despite receiving citizen income or ALG II for at least a year. Many also pointed out their failure to obtain additional training opportunities. Those with vocational training or university degrees were the most likely to receive offers, while chronically ill patients and women with young children were the least fortunate.
The study authors call for equal support for women and men and improved assistance for those suffering from health problems. Labor market expert Tobias Ortmann from the Bertelsmann Foundation commented that support and accountability must go hand in hand: those who can work and refuse offers without a valid reason should face penalties, while those who want to work but are unable need stronger support.