Andrea Nahles warns of social upheaval. “There is currently high inflation, with which recipients of basic security, but also people with a low income, will probably not be able to cope,” said the new head of the Federal Employment Agency (BA). Süddeutsche Zeitung. “That’s why the government will have to act.” Citizens would face significantly higher gas and electricity prices. “That will put many people in distress. For example, those who work for minimum wage.”
Nahles was the first woman to become the head of the SPD in 2018, but resigned a year later after electoral failures and internal attacks. On August 1, she will head the largest German authority. The federal agency is preparing for crises such as a Russian gas freeze, says Nahles in an interview. “When the energy crisis hits companies and employees, we’ll be there and do everything we can to help with short-time work benefits and everything we have to offer.”
In the Corona crisis, short-time work benefits were paid out within a few days and thus helped to save companies, while it took much longer for economic aid. If more short-time work benefits are needed again, she wants to simplify the process. “I would like it to be slimmer and less bureaucratic.”
Nahles announces better benefits for the unemployed and employers. “I am firmly convinced that the Federal Agency must become the most modern digital organization in Germany. We want to offer the best service for customers in public administration.” We have already come a long way, but we plan to do even more. “We should think even more from the customer’s point of view.” In addition to the unemployed, these are also the companies that are looking for skilled workers.
“We have to push every button so that Germany doesn’t finally run out of workers.” Many part-time women could work longer if childcare and other conditions improved. “We could also do more to help refugees find work.”
Nahles suggests more careers advice for people who are already on the job. The employment agencies should accompany people through the transformation. “Jobs will be lost everywhere, but new ones will also be created. It’s about qualifying people for new things. Whether in steel mills, car factories or in the trades.”
Nahles wants to end the dispute over Hartz IV with the new citizens’ income. “I hope that we can overcome the cliché of the work-shy unemployed and the erroneous image of the teasing job counselor,” she said. “Advisors had 500 clients in the 2000s, now they can focus more on the individual.” The employees in the job center were happy about the planned changes. “Because the way things are going now, it’s not ideal.” However, she was against completely abolishing the sanctions. “Social services financed by society must be widely accepted. This means that you have to abide by the rules.”