As an employer, you can give long-term unemployed people the chance of a new career start through employment subject to social security contributions.

The aim is to keep your new employee in your company for as long as possible after the end of the support programme.

The job centre can reimburse part of your wage costs in the first 2 years and also finances coaching.

Labour cost subsidy for 2 years

The job centre can grant you subsidies towards wage costs for 2 years. The wage subsidy is paid monthly and amounts to

• 75 per cent of the regular pay to be taken into account in the 1st year of employment and
• 50 per cent of the regular pay to be taken into account in the 2nd year of employment.

The subsidy also covers your employee's insurance with a flat-rate social security contribution (except: contribution to unemployment insurance).

You do not receive a subsidy for one-off payments such as Christmas bonuses or holiday pay.

Support during employment (coaching)

In addition, the job centre will cover the costs of two years of coaching to support your previously long-term unemployed employees, for example with problems at their new workplace, with their family or with difficulties in organising their everyday life. This makes it easier for your new employees to get used to working life again after a long period of unemployment.

Your subsidised employees should take part in this coaching. The coaching can generally take place during or outside working hours, at the workplace or at another location. In the first 6 months of the programme, you must release your sponsored employee from work for the coaching; in the case of coaching during working hours, you must continue to pay their salary. The need for coaching is determined on an individual basis. Your business needs will be taken into account when scheduling the coaching.

The coaching is organised in such a way that it also takes into account the specific requirements that you or your company place on the staff. However, the coaching programme does not include technical training.

The coach will involve you as required and will be available to you as a contact person for questions relating to the supported employee.

If necessary, further vocational training can also be subsidised.

Only your local job centre will decide whether you are eligible for funding. This means that you have no legal claim to it.