Governance des Einkommensmix: Geringfügige Beschäftigung im ALG-II-Bezug

An increasing number of recipients of means tested income support for job-seekers (Unemployment Benfefit II, UB II) are engaged in marginal part-time employment (so-called mini jobs with a monthly payment up to 400 Euro). On the basis of data from the “Panel labour market and social security” (PASS) the study provides some insights into the working and living conditions of this group. People receiving UB II achieve a lower working income (per hour and per month) but work more hours in comparison to other people holding a mini job. This highlights particular wage discrimination. Furthermore we could not find evidence for the argument that mini jobs increase the chance of a transfer to regular gainful employment for UB II-recipients. The results concerning the subjective perception of their situation – like social participation and deprivation – show that mini jobbers do not see their living-situation as ‘better’ than other recipients of UB II. This grounds the interpretation that mini jobs are used to improve the financial situation of households and individuals whose (subjective) chance of leaving UB II is low. Reform efforts therefore should improve individual and social living conditions and increase qualifications in order to augment transitions to regular gainful employment rather than increase financial incentives of low paid jobs. The study indicates that these are more a trap than a bridge to gainful employment.