Motivation instead of waiting – rethinking unemployment benefits
BDA CEO Steffen Kampeter comments on the latest labor market figures:
Motivation instead of waiting – rethinking unemployment benefits
Berlin, October 30, 2025. "Paying unemployment benefits for longer keeps people artificially waiting. Our labor market needs exactly the opposite: an activation policy that gets people back to work quickly.
The duration of unemployment benefits must be limited to twelve months for everyone – clear, fair, and effective.
Longer benefit periods slow down the job search and discourage people from getting back on their feet. Experienced skilled workers are needed everywhere – they should not be kept out of the labor market by sending the wrong signals.
One year of unemployment benefits is enough to get back on your feet – and short enough to avoid losing touch. This takes the pressure off the Federal Employment Agency, stabilizes contributions, and strengthens a welfare state that opens up opportunities instead of financing stagnation."
