Difficult situation: Study on the situation of the long-term unemployed

"Most of those affected want to work"

"It's about involving those affected, making better use of existing instruments and incorporating examples of good practice to a greater extent," explained Hietzke. A problematic development is currently emerging with regard to the Participation in Opportunities Act: As money is lacking everywhere in times of financial scarcity, offers for the long-term unemployed are also being cut back. Although the instruments are expensive, they pay off in the long term.

"Work is also an important factor for the long-term unemployed. Most of those affected want to work, but they need good conditions to do so," said Hietzke, who frequently dealt with them in a previous job at the Dresden City Mission. "I have seen how people identify strongly with their work. One man who found a job in a cemetery left his work clothes on on the way home. He wanted his boy to see that his dad was coming home from work."

50,000 people in Saxony have been out of work for more than a year

According to the Saxon employment agency, long-term unemployment in Saxony has decreased in a long-term comparison. In 2019, it reached a low of 39,300 people affected. The positive trend was halted and reversed by the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2024, 50,455 people were registered as long-term unemployed. More men than women are affected. The economic development led to a reduction in jobs, particularly in industry with its traditionally high proportion of men, it said.

About half of the long-term unemployed (49 percent) are between 25 and under 50 years old. This is followed at a slight distance by the 50-plus age group (47 percent). In addition to a lack of training and language skills, the agency also cites health restrictions and childcare for single parents as reasons for unemployment of one year or longer. Sometimes there is also a lack of "matching demand and supply".

Low qualifications increase the risk of long-term unemployment

"The labor market is in difficult waters. Low-qualified people in particular have an increased risk of becoming unemployed and staying unemployed for longer," said employment agency boss Klaus-Peter Hansen. Prolonged unemployment could become a barrier to placement.

That is why the agency looks at the individual profile of a person. "We coach and train people according to their needs in order to get them back into work quickly and sustainably."

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