On the initiative of MP Marc Spautz from the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV), the Chamber of Deputies discussed on Wednesday potential support measures for the long-term unemployed.
Most people with this status are over 45 years of age, and often have health problems and/or low qualifications. Spautz stated that despite state aid, incomes are nowhere near those of people with a job and long-term unemployment usually also takes a toll on people’s self-esteem.
The main goal, according to the CSV MP, should be “reintegration”, with Spautz demanding more initiatives in support of the long-term unemployed. However, this should not solely be up to the National Employment Agency (ADEM) but should also involve employers and society as a whole, Spautz stressed.
MP Carlo Back from the Green Party (Déi Gréng) agreed that all available measures should be reassessed, while future Minister of Labour Georges Engel from the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) stated that measures must be intensified. Meanwhile, MP Carole Hartmann from the Democratic Party (DP) argued that in the eyes of her party, it makes more sense to support employment instead of financing unemployment.
While the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (adr) demands an individual and personalised treatment for applicants at ADEM, the Pirate Party criticised the often cumbersome and lengthy procedures. In this context, Pirate Party MP Sven Clement referred to a recent negative experience with ADEM involving a person who was to be employed by his party.
Parting Minister of Labour Dan Kersch stated that professional development programmes are at the heart of the solution. However, Kersch also expressed his concern over the fact that employers are sometimes hesitant to hire long-term unemployed individuals.
The CSV submitted two motions aimed at supporting the long-term unemployed, both of which were passed by the Chamber of Deputies.
