Discussions with the Board of Directors, the Executive Board, experts from the Employment Agencies (AA) and Job Centres (JC), and the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) focused on combating benefit fraud and transforming the labour market and economy. During her visit, the Minister emphasised the great importance of close cooperation between politicians, the self-governing body of the BA and the staff of local job centres and employment agencies in order to develop practical solutions for securing employment and addressing the shortage of skilled workers.
The discussion focused on current challenges facing the social welfare system and the prospects for the German labour market, as well as strategies for successfully managing this transition.
Combating benefit fraud
During her inaugural visit, Minister Bas emphasised the importance of effective measures against benefit fraud. The BA has already established networks with partners and gained experience in this area in recent years. The task now is to consolidate and expand these approaches. A key point here is improving data exchange between the federal government, the states and local authorities – for example, between immigration authorities, job centres and security authorities, especially customs – in order to systematically combat organised benefit fraud in particular. With its plans for a competence centre for benefit fraud, the BA is now taking another important step towards improving structured cooperation with other authorities.
Minister Bärbel Bas: "Social benefit fraud harms our society and undermines trust in the welfare state. Basic income support for job seekers must become more resistant to abuse so that benefits only go to those who need them. I am working on this, and it will improve with the reform of basic social security. It is just as important for the future of the German labour market that we support people in the changing world of work. With effective guidance and appropriate training, the Federal Employment Agency ensures that employees are well equipped for tomorrow's world of work This work is particularly important in these difficult economic times, and I am very grateful to my colleagues at the BA for their commitment to employees and our labour market."
Transformation of the world of work
Another focus of the visit was the transformation of the world of work. Digital, environmental, demographic and social changes require new skills and flexible educational pathways. The Federal Employment Agency actively supports employees and companies in the changing world of work.
Andrea Nahles, Chairwoman of the BA: "Employment is changing, jobs are being lost, but new ones are also being created. The BA does not create jobs on its own, but we accompany change: we connect skilled workers with job vacancies, promote training and shape the labour market balance. With our labour market hubs, we provide early guidance and facilitate the transition to new employment that matches qualifications. Our goal is to help people keep their jobs or quickly find new opportunities.”
Anja Piel, Chairwoman of the BA's Administrative Board: "In times of economic uncertainty, the Federal Employment Agency must play an active role in shaping change. Employment agencies, with their dedicated staff, are the first point of contact in times of crisis. They offer new prospects for individuals and for the future of the world of work. With their nationwide coverage, they are an indispensable infrastructure for democracy that must be preserved. This is precisely what the current further development and reorientation of all labour market services, which is closely monitored and supported by the self-governing body, stands for.”
Christina Ramb, Deputy Chair of the BA's Administrative Board: "The BA must be able to protect people from unemployment, especially in difficult economic times. It is needed as a stable partner in times of change. The federal government has promised to support unemployment insurance. That is why we need rapid structural reforms in the welfare state. The federal government must not assign any new tasks to the BA and must not shift any costs from the federal budget to the contribution fund. Legislation must be designed in such a way that no unnecessary costs are incurred in unemployment insurance, e.g. when refugees from Ukraine change legal status.”