06.04.2021

Short-time Work in Comparison

WIFO Study on Models of Selected European Countries
A recent WIFO study provides an overview of the advantages and disadvantages as well as the design of this labour market policy instrument of short-time work and compares the Austrian model with those in selected European countries.

The drastic slump in economic output in the spring of 2020 put the labour market under severe pressure. As an immediate response to the crisis, many countries have used short-time work schemes to limit the social costs of the crisis by stabilising employment.

It is shown that short-time work regulations in Austria are comparatively generous. Moreover, the use of short-time work is relatively widespread in Austria. In the course of a foreseeable economic recovery, there are opportunities to adapt short-time work instruments. Phase models can be used for this purpose, as can a differentiation of short-time work according to the type and extent of the crisis.
  

Study
06.04.2021
Finalization: March 2021
Project partner Austrian Institute of Economic Research, Synthesis Forschung GmbH, Institute for Advanced Studies
Contractor project: Public Employment Service Austria, Federal Ministry of Labour, Federal Ministry of Labour, Family and Youth, Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy
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