Firms persistently under-employ individuals with disabilities, according to Kammer's analysis - Businesses Failing to Employ Sufficient Individuals with Disabilities, Accusation by Chamber
In Bremen and Lower Saxony, a significant number of larger companies meet the legally required employment quota of 5% for people with disabilities, with Bremen at 34% and Lower Saxony slightly ahead at 38%. However, these figures mask the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in securing employment, as they grapple with common barriers such as accessibility issues, employer prejudices, and limited inclusive hiring practices.
Peer Rosenthal, head of the Bremen Chamber of Labor, has emphasized the need for more concrete measures from politics, moving beyond "empty declarations of intent" to foster the transition of people with disabilities into the general labor market. The regional disparities in awareness and infrastructure can hinder consistent labor market integration, and specific legislation and programs may vary by state, as evidenced by Saxony's SächsInklusG law.
To address these challenges, Germany promotes inclusion through legal frameworks and initiatives to strengthen employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Universities like Bremerhaven University have inclusion officers and support structures to assist students with disabilities, suggesting regional education-to-employment pathways are part of inclusion efforts. Various companies and public bodies emphasize diversity and reasonable accommodations in employment, providing models for labor inclusion across regions.
Career fairs and community inclusion events indirectly support labor market integration by raising awareness and connecting talents with employment opportunities. Digital health applications (DiGAs) also contribute indirectly by supporting people with disabilities in health management, potentially increasing their employability and work retention.
In Bremen, expanding support offers for young people is crucial to help them avoid starting in workshops. The average wage in workshops in Bremen is 258 euros per month, a stark contrast to the regular labor market. A study commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Labor found that the blanket unequal treatment of workshop employees in terms of the minimum wage violates current law.
The inclusion of people with disabilities is not just a social obligation but also an economic necessity due to the shortage of skilled workers, according to Peer Rosenthal. Bremen ranks fourth from last, and Lower Saxony is in the middle, compared to other federal states, in terms of employment of severely disabled people. In 2023, only 0.4% of people with workshop status in Bremen managed to permanently switch to the first labor market, highlighting the need for more effective strategies.
Despite the challenges, there are promising signs. Hannover, a city in Lower Saxony, is home to a significant number of companies meeting the employment quota of 5%. The path forward involves advancing awareness, tailored legislation, employer engagement, accessible infrastructure, and support services connecting education and employment sectors. While there is no detailed report solely focusing on Bremen and Lower Saxony, the regional and country-wide frameworks mentioned provide a foundation for inclusive labor market strategies.
For those seeking detailed statistics or specific programs active in Bremen and Lower Saxony for people with disabilities, further targeted research into regional government resources or disability advocacy organizations in those states may be necessary.
- To boost the transition of people with disabilities into the general labor market, it is necessary for politics to take concrete measures beyond mere declarations of intent, as emphasized by Peer Rosenthal, head of the Bremen Chamber of Labor.
- As evidenced by varying legislation and programs between states such as Saxony's SächsInklusG law, specific regional policies and legislation play a crucial role in fostering inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
