family
The budget for the advancement of women in the labor market was increased. Ministers Kocher & Raab presented the new labor market package for women.
After the family hardship fund was increased by 50 million euros only last week and extended until the end of June 2021, the budget for promoting women in the labor market has now also been increased. At a press conference on Wednesday, Women's Minister Susanne Raab (ÖVP) and Labor Minister Martin Kocher (ÖVP) presented the new labor market package for women.
“The corona pandemic has exacerbated the situation of women in the labor market. It is important to me that the focus in all departments is on how to best help women in all their different situations,” explained Minister for Women, Susanne Raab. In cooperation with Labor Minister Kocher, a “record budget for the advancement of women” can now provide important impetus to bring more women back into the labor market.
More than 60 million euros for the AMS women's program
In addition to the recently launched Corona job offensive, a total of 60.5 million euros are available for the nationwide AMS women's program this year. Compared to the previous year, when the women's budget was 55 million euros, this year it has been increased by more than 5 million euros. The development over the past five years is also encouraging: In 2016, comparatively “only” 38 million euros were available for the women's budget.
As the two ministers announced, the funding target for women in 2021 will also be around 50 percent.
Funding target for women for 2021 at 50 percent
The amount available should flow into various programs. These include, for example, “FiT” – women in handicrafts and technology -, women's and girls' vocational centers, and the “Re-entry with a future” program.
It is important here that access to all these programs is “designed to be as open and inclusive as possible”. All unemployed women can benefit from this. Last year around 50,000 women took part in the special programs. It is important to achieve a positive development here as well.
AMS childcare assistance is being expanded:
Another point in the women's package includes an expansion of the AMS childcare allowance. It is important to the Minister for Women and Employment, in addition to promoting professional qualifications for women, to contribute to a better work-life balance. For this reason, the childcare assistance provided by the Public Employment Service (AMS) is to be expanded or made more attractive. This is done as follows:
– Reimbursement of childcare costs: Currently, mothers who return to work, are completing a training course or are in a difficult professional situation are reimbursed up to a maximum of EUR 2,300 for childcare costs up to a maximum income limit of EUR 2,300.
– Increase in the maximum income limit : so that even more women can benefit from this regulation, this maximum income limit will soon be increased to 2,650 euros. For example, female nurses (starting salary at around € 2,350) or chemists (starting salary between € 2,300 and € 2,700) benefit from this.
In particular, women who are employed in nursing and currently have to do special things, make it easier to reconcile family and work.
“In this year's AMS budget, we are placing a clear focus on promoting and including women in the labor market. With over 60 million euros, more funds are available for this in 2021 than ever before have not benefited from it so far and are also strengthening the compatibility of family and work, “said Labor Minister Martin Kocher.
