Nordhausen gets unemployed young people going with forced labor!

Nordhausen gets unemployed young people going with forced labor!

In Nordhausen, a new regulation for young citizens' benefit recipients under the age of 25 has come into force, which is causing some discussion. In order to promote the reintegration of these young people into the labor market, they are now required to do community service. This reports, among other things World. The hourly wage for these activities is just 1.20 euros, which raises some critical voices.

The first participants, including Jason, who was unemployed for a year and a half and trained in horticulture, are already working in the castle park. He describes charitable work as an important step that prepares him for life. The local employment agency has already passed on around 200 names of citizens' benefit recipients to the district administrator. Of the 50 interested people, 30 were accepted into the project.

Background and criticism

While the initiative is seen by some as an opportunity to combat unemployment, critical voices come from the Left and the Greens. They emphasize that the approach promotes the stigmatization of young people. District Administrator Matthias Jendricke (SPD), on the other hand, points to the success of a similar model in the Greiz district, where 65 asylum seekers were able to find employment through work obligations. Jendricke also recommends that parents should put more pressure on their working children.

The balance sheet so far shows that of the 3,275 unemployed people in Nordhausen, 342 are under 25 years old. An alarming result, because 79.8 percent of these young people do not have a recognized professional qualification. Sandra Hesse, head of the correctional service, notes that many participants have a long history of lack of prospects. However, it is positive that 14 of the participants appear regularly and there is no possibility of coercive measures; rather, the participants are kindly invited.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Another context to consider is the general labor market situation, which has been further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the USA, for example, a government shutdown led to massive cancellations of flights and significant pressure on aviation staff, reports AP News. Similarly, young people in Germany are often under pressure to adapt to the labor market and overcome challenges, especially if they come from difficult backgrounds.

Participating in a project like this may only be a small beginning, but for many, like Justin, who was out of a job for two and a half years, it is the first step in a new direction. The hope for future prospects remains even in times of massive changes and challenges - the participants in Nordhausen have already proven that.