Decision on job turbo

Resolution of the State Advisory Council for Participation dated 08.07.2024

The State Advisory Council for Participation has decided:

The job turbo must be fair and sustainable:

“Yes” to cutting red tape, “no” to wasting potential

The State Advisory Council for Participation criticizes the fact that the job turbo provides too few funding instruments and incentives: It is not only necessary to demand, but also to promote. The members of the Berlin Senate are therefore asked to consider the following points when implementing the job turbo so that the job turbo has a lasting and participatory effect:

1. qualification-appropriate employment,

2. free vocational German courses in companies - paid time off as part of working hours,

3. sufficient childcare so that work, learning German and continuing education are also possible for often single mothers,

4. accelerated recognition procedures for foreign degrees and close monitoring of recognition processes by case managers from the job centers or the employment agency, even after placement in low-skilled work,

5. expansion of advice within the framework of BBie (professional guidance in working life), automatic transfer to the program after placement in work below the vocational qualification level,

6. Incentives through secure employment prospects: the residence status must quickly be included in a residence permit for employees for the purpose of employment

be converted. This creates security for both employees and employers.

7. Access to higher language qualifications (e.g. B2 language courses) and education should continue to be possible.

Justification

The State Advisory Council for Participation criticizes the fact that the job turbo provides too few funding instruments and incentives: It is not only necessary to demand, but also to promote. The approach taken by Job Turbo to get refugees onto the job market faster and more effectively is welcomed. Reducing bureaucracy is an important step in this regard. However, the “turbo” speed must not be at the expense of employment appropriate to the qualifications or even the health of those affected. Refugees often have qualifications from their countries of origin and a high level of motivation to take up employment quickly — this is shown by experience in migration counseling. It is in the interest of all parties involved to promote this potential. There is currently still a need for improvement here: Compared to other European countries, Germany, for example, is at the bottom of the integration of Ukrainian war refugees. While just 18 percent have found a job here, in countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, but also Denmark, the figure is two thirds and more. In addition, offers in the low-wage sector are often made on a lump sum and with pressure, without reference to qualifications. It should also be emphasized that traumatized war refugees are entitled to psychological care and a decent arrival in Germany and are not only seen as workers or should be forced into employment relationships prematurely. According to reports, the job turbo program launched four months ago is not working as hoped. The six points mentioned, combined with appropriate training from the implementing authorities and a voluntary commitment on the part of industry - especially in the area of career-relevant language development - can quickly bring success. Migrant actors should also be structurally involved in implementation. They have direct access to the communities and are often the first point of contact on site. There is a need for targeted advice on how to boost jobs in migrant organizations. The attempt to closely accompany refugees as they enter the labour market is to be welcomed. But these measures will cost money in the short term. Closer and more intensive support in the search for (qualified) work means that job center case managers have to work with fewer customers. The frequency of consultations must increase. Continuing to support refugees after taking up work and level of qualification also means expanding existing instruments such as BBie. These short-term investments will:

• pay off and pay off in the long term,

• Be a role model for working with the other target groups of job centers.

The job turbo model project must be evaluated and, if successful, extended to all job-seeking customers at the job centers.