An unconditional job guarantee pilot run from 2020-24 in an Austrian town has filled an evidence gap on a welfare policy tool of widespread interest;
The pilot eliminated long-term unemployment - an important result, given the programme’s voluntary nature - and drove a large reduction in overall unemployment;
Participants’ incomes rose and they gained greater financial security. Those taking part were happier, more satisfied, and felt more in control of their lives;
The pilot is forecast to cost marginally less per person than equivalent Austrian unemployment benefits;
The trial’s success has led the new Austrian Finance Minister to announce €50 million for guaranteed jobs and the European Commission is to fund further trials of this innovative welfare measure.
