Falling Behind on Disability Employment: Many Companies in Saxony-Anhalt Missing Their Mark
Disproportionately Few Seriously Disabled Individuals Secure Employment Opportunities in Corporate Sectors - Insufficient representation of severely disabled individuals in the job market remains a pressing issue.
The numbers are sobering. Most businesses in Saxony-Anhalt, who are legally obligated to hire severely disabled individuals, are dropping the ball. According to recent stats, the compliance rate dipped from 32.6% in 2022 to around 31.8% in 2023, as reported by the Regional Directorate Saxony-Anhalt-Thuringia of the Federal Employment Agency in Halle.
While the percentage of companies at least partially fulfilling their employment obligation increased over the past decade (39.8% in 2023), a staggering 28.4% have yet to fill a single position designated for disabled individuals.
Markus Behrens, head of the regional directorate, stresses the many tools at companies' disposal to foster a more inclusive work culture. "From qualification programs and wage subsidies to technical equipment, businesses are encouraged to consult their local employment agency for assistance in promoting and improving the participation of people with disabilities in the workforce," he says.
Failing to meet their obligation can lead to a penalty. Employers must pay a graded Levy to integration offices, proportional to their company size and employment quota, intended to offset the financial loss for businesses hiring disabled employees—their mandatory hires.
As of 2023, 19,400 severely disabled individuals were employed in the social insurance system, with 80% being 45 years or older. Most of them work in the manufacturing sector, public administration, or the social and health sector.
Even though specific details about why businesses in Saxony-Anhalt are struggling with fulfilling their obligations or the measures being taken to promote inclusion in the labor market are scant, it's important to recognize the urgent need for change. Collaboration between the Federal Employment Agency and businesses is essential in breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive, diverse workplace for individuals with disabilities.
- Labor Market
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Severely Disabled
- Federal Employment Agency
- Employers
In light of the rising statistics, it's crucial for Saxon-Anhalt employers to take advantage of programs like vocational training, offered by the Federal Employment Agency, to build a more inclusive workforce and fulfill their obligations towards severely disabled individuals. Embracing science in health-and-wellness fields, particularly through vocational training programs, could provide beneficial solutions for both employers and the workforce in Saxony-Anhalt.
