German Labour Minister Hubertus Heil announced that those who refuse to work will have their benefits cancelled in the future – at least for up to two months.
In this case, for people who are on welfare, the state will cover only living expenses and utilities.
After two months, the employment centre will have to assess the situation again and offer the beneficiary a new job. In case of refusal, sanctions may be applied again.
In total, almost four million people of working age in Germany receive unemployment benefit.