Beschäftigungsaufnahmen von Personen in der Grundsicherung: Entfernung zwischen bisherigem Wohnort und Arbeitsort

"Against the backdrop of current policy debates on reasonable work requirements under § 10 of the German Social Code Book II (SGB II), this research report examines the typical distances between place of residence and workplace when recipients of basic income support (SGB II) take up new employment. The focus is on systematic differences between groups of individuals. The analysis is based on administrative data from the Integrated Employment Biographies (IEB) and the Basic Income Support History (LHG) for the year 2022. The study population comprises employable recipients of SGB II benefits who transitioned into regular employment subject to social security contributions. Additionally, data from the first wave of the Online Panel for Labour Market Research (OPAL) are used to compare the observed patterns with self-reported job search behaviour. The results show that most employment is taken up close to home. In 69 percent of cases, the new workplace is less than 15 km away; in 17 percent, it lies between 15 and 50 km away. At the same time, a non-negligible share of individuals accepts longer distances: in 8.7% of cases, the distance exceeds 100 km. Average commuting distances vary considerably across groups. Single parents, parents of minor children, older individuals, and those with health limitations tend to take up employment closer to home. Part-time workers also tend to remain in their residential area. In contrast, young, single, or highly qualified individuals are more likely to accept jobs located farther away. Similar patterns emerge with regard to the likelihood of taking up a job more than 100 km from home – which in many cases likely involves relocation. The statistical analysis is based on multivariate regression models that control for a wide range of potentially relevant characteristics. The group-specific differences remain robust and are consistent with the exceptions laid out in § 10(2) SGB II, which state that personal, family-related, and health-related circumstances must be considered when assessing the reasonableness of job offers. The OPAL survey data complement these findings. They reveal similar group-specific patterns in individuals’ self-assessed willingness to accept long commuting times or relocation. Women, older individuals, single parents, and those seeking part-time work are less willing to commute for over an hour or to move. In contrast, individuals with higher education degrees or foreign citizenship exhibit greater geographical flexibility. These results suggest that the differences in observed employment distances in the administrative data may be explained by variation in job search behaviour. The findings should not be interpreted as a consequence of existing legal exemptions. Rather, they represent the empirical basis for them: § 10 SGB II reflects existing constraints to mobility. In this sense, the exceptions laid out in the law exist precisely because groups such as single parents are empirically less likely or less able to accept long commutes or relocation. It is therefore advisable to address barriers to mobility in a targeted way, to consider regional mobility willingness in placement processes, and to strengthen individualised job placement strategies. In addition, policymakers should consider institutional framework conditions – such as childcare availability, housing market dynamics, and transport infrastructure – in efforts to increase geographical mobility among job seekers." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))