Image: VOLKER WEIHBOLD
If you exclude short-time work, the AMS will have around 1.4 billion euros available for active labor market policy in 2024, after around 1.33 billion euros for 2023, as a spokesman said in response to an APA request. The relevant resolutions have already been passed by the AMS Board of Directors.
Due, among other things, to the expiry of special programs, the AMS had expected less money. “The budget has increased contrary to original expectations because additional funds are necessary due to the deteriorating economic situation and defined labor market policy priorities (e.g. integration of refugees into the labor market) are planned,” the AMS explained the increase in the budget.
Also read: Plus of 11.5 percent: Unemployment significantly higher than a year ago
Where to put the money?
It is not yet clear exactly where the money will go. According to the AMS, the Labor Market Act stipulates that decisions about the use of budget funds are made decentrally, i.e. in the respective state organizations. However, the allocation of funds for certain programs and priorities amounting to 780 million euros is fixed. Around 165 million euros are planned for older people, 163 million euros for inter-company apprenticeship training and 155 million euros for the long-term unemployed.
In addition, according to the information, it has already been defined how much will be used specifically to achieve defined labor market policy goals (540.3 million euros) and for the AMS’s own priorities of the state organizations (97.9 million euros). However, the AMS will hardly have any more funds available for short-time work next year: after 300 million euros for 2023, only 20 million euros are planned for 2024.
more from economics
