Minister Heil warns: Don't quit because of citizen's income
Federal Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil (SPD) has warned employees against quitting their job because of the citizen's income. "Someone who is stupid enough to quit their job because of the citizen's income will not get a citizen's income for the time being, they will first get a freeze on their unemployment benefit," said the SPD politician on Monday evening on the ARD program "hart, aber fair". Citizen's income is not an unconditional basic income. You have to be in need. Those who do not cooperate could also have their benefits cut by up to 30 percent.
Bundesarbeitsminister @hubertus_heil (@spdde) erklärt unter Anderem: Lieber Arbeiten gehen oder Bürgergeld beziehen?
"Arbeit lohnt sich immer und das ist auch gut so, weil Arbeit das Land voranbringt."
Das Thema bei #hartaberfair @DasErste: Löhne hoch, Arbeitszeit runter? pic.twitter.com/CqAAVLdf6t
— hart aber fair (@hartaberfair) November 13, 2023
The citizen's income, the successor to Hartz IV, is set to increase by more than twelve percent in the coming year. Heil referred to the mechanism that the sharp increase has to do with the high inflation this year. However, if inflation falls again in 2024, the subsequent increase in citizens' benefits will be "relatively meagre", the minister predicted. He also referred to the "terrible consequences" for later pension entitlements if people only receive a citizen's income.
Heil emphasized that work must be worthwhile. That is why the minimum wage must rise and collective bargaining coverage must be increased.
- Despite Minister Heil's warning, some individuals might consider quitting their jobs due to the anticipated increase in citizen's income.
- The social democratic politician, Hubertus Heil, highlighted on the TV show "hart, aber fair" that those who forsake employment because of citizen's income may initially experience a freeze on their unemployment benefits.
- According to Finances Minister Heil, citizen's income is not a universal or unconditional basic payout, rather it's intended for those in actual need.
- Amidst ongoing discussions about work, the SPD minister urged that wages must be elevated and bargaining coverage expanded, to ensure that employment remains a valuable and rewarding endeavor for all citizens.
Source: www.dpa.com
