Reintegration Part-Time Works: 75% Still in the Job Five Years Later
Three-quarters of those affected were still employed five years after the end of the measure, as shown by a reintegration part-time evaluation presented by Statistics Austria on Thursday.
After a long, serious illness, a quick return to full-time work is often not possible or sensible. Therefore, in 2017, the possibility was created to agree with the employer on the so-called reintegration part-time after a minimum of six weeks of uninterrupted sick leave, for at least one month and up to a maximum of six months, with a one-time extension of one to three months possible. The company pays only for the actual working hours during part-time, and there is reintegration pay from the health insurance to partially cover the loss of the original salary. There is no legal entitlement to the subsidized part-time.
Reintegration Part-Time: Five Years After the End, Still Three-Quarters Employed
Statistics Austria examined the employment career of around 24,000 people for the evaluation after the end of the reintegration part-time for at least one year. It was found that 87 percent of the affected individuals were still employed one year after the end of the measure, with only three percent unemployed. Five years later, 75 percent were still working, with the majority of the rest then retired.
Further details: Around 70 percent of those who had previously worked full-time were also fully employed again one year later. The reasons for illness that led to the reintegration part-time were also recorded. Most frequently, with around one-third of the cases, were mental illnesses, followed by diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (16.5 percent) and cancer (around 12 percent). The diagnosis is not decisive for remaining in employment - the rates do not differ significantly here.
Women Used the Measure More Often
Women (55 percent) used the measure to a greater extent than men. The majority of those affected are between 45 and 54 years old.
In the event of illness, employees need flexibility, support, and security, said Social Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) at the press conference. "Reintegration part-time maintains work ability, secures income, and protects personal dignity." Schumann did not want to express wishes for possible changes or the introduction of a legal entitlement - a reorganization of rehabilitation forms has been agreed in the government program, and it is currently essential to make the "success project" more well-known.
(APA/Red)
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