It's Time for a Shake-Up: Economist Jens Sudekum Suggests Laxer Dismissal Rules for Mature Workers
Senior advisor Südekum, under Klingbeil, advocates for relaxation of dismissal rights for older employees
Got an elder worker causing a fuss? Worry not, Economist Jens Sudekum, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil's new personal advisor, suggests softening the blow on dismissal protection for the grey-haired crew. "You reckon a 65-year-old should have the same protection as a fresh-faced kid? That's preposterous! Companies could shy away from hiring elders due to the fear of being stuck with them. We need some wiggle room," Sudekum said in an interview with Zeit Online.
Apparently, the previous government had been dabbling with this idea already. "That crazy coalition had planned to let employers offerfixed-term contracts to workers cashing in on their pensions. Unfortunately, they couldn't see it through. Our current gang can pick up where they left off and finish what they started," explained the 49-year-old economic whiz, who's no stranger to government advisory roles, having previously advised the federal government.
Jens Sudekum, a professor of international economics at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and a member of the SPD, joined Klingbeil's team last week-switching up a position previously held by Lars Feld.
"I'm banking on a brighter future for the economy, but it's delicate. No major disasters like COVID-19 or Russia taking a bite out of Ukraine, please! Easing on energy prices, a spending spree from the special fund, and sweet relief for businesses-I'm keeping my fingers crossed," said Sudekum, one of the brains behind the €500 billion infrastructure fund.
- Older Workers
- Lars Klingbeil
- Labor Laws
- Economist Jens Sudekum, in his new role as advisor to Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, proposes revisions to labor laws, suggesting a relaxation in dismissal protection for older workers to encourage businesses to employ them.
- To stimulate the economy and support businesses, Sudekum advocates for easing energy prices, increased spending from a special fund, and implementing a €500 billion infrastructure fund, while expressing concerns about potential disruptions from economic crises or geopolitical instability.
- To promote opportunities for older workers and support overall economic growth, Sudekum recommends considering vocational training programs that help them adapt to changing industry needs, expanding the scope of community policy beyond just labor laws to encompass health-and-wellness and aging concerns, and fostering a conducive business environment for companies offering vocational training.
