The effect of the Hartz reform on unemployment duration and post-unemployment outcomes. A difference-in-differences approach

"In this paper, we investigate the microeconomic effects of one major feature of the German Hartz Reforms (2003-2005), namely the reduction in compensation duration for older unemployed above 45 years of age. We look at two potential effects of this measure: on job take-up rates, but also on po...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Amable, Bruno, Françon, Baptiste
Institution:ETUI-European Trade Union Institute
Format: TEXT
Language:English
Published: Paris 2014
Université Paris I
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.labourline.org/KENTIKA-19110288124919384609-The-effect-of-the-Hartz-reform.htm
Description
Summary:"In this paper, we investigate the microeconomic effects of one major feature of the German Hartz Reforms (2003-2005), namely the reduction in compensation duration for older unemployed above 45 years of age. We look at two potential effects of this measure: on job take-up rates, but also on post-unemployment outcomes, through various indicators of matching quality (job stability, skill adequacy) and job quality (type of job contract). Applying difference-in-differences estimators, we show that the effects of this specific feature were rather scant. Regarding unemployment duration, only unemployed within a specific age group (55 to 59 years old) were affected by the reform. Evidence suggests that this is because they previously used unemployment schemes as a bridge to early retirement. In addition, there is some evidence of detrimental effects on job or matching quality."
Physical Description:37 p.
Digital