MAGMA

MAGMA is the world's first job guarantee project that addresses the issue of long-term unemployment by offering job guarantees, support services, and access to decent employment for job seekers.

UNEMPLOYMENT HAS HIGH COSTS

Long-term unemployment is a serious issue that not only takes an immense personal toll on individuals, but also carries high economic costs for society as a whole. Launched in 2020 in the Lower Austrian Municipality of Gramatneusiedl, the MAGMA project – the world’s first evidence-based job guarantee model – responds to these challenges by offering opportunities to the long-term unemployed.

A JOB GUARANTEE AND INTEGRATED SUPPORT

The MAGMA project is unique in offering a universal and unconditional guarantee of a well-paid job to all people unemployed for longer than twelve months, through alternative forms of employment. The programme also offers a wide range of support services to participants that are aimed at preparing them for the job market, including one-on-one training, counselling, and support from social workers, doctors, and psychologists. Participants are supported in their search for work and are either guaranteed paid work in the private or public sector, or they are supported to create a new job for themselves based on their existing knowledge and skills. Participants earn at least the minimum wage, bringing their income above their previous social benefits.

IMPROVING SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL WELLBEING

The pilot project eliminated long-term unemployment in Gramatneusiedl – an important result, given the programme’s entirely voluntary nature – and provided participants with more income and greater financial security. Moreover, an evaluation of the programme conducted by the University of Oxford and University of Vienna showed that participants were happier, more financially secure, and more involved in their community. These improvements in social and financial wellbeing, as well as a reduction in overall unemployment, have been a consistent benefit since the project’s inception.

Project owner

Sandra Kern

Head of the steering group of the MAGMA project, Deputy Managing Director of AMS Lower Austria

Project team

Mag. Mario Danler

Implementation and realization of the MAGMA project, Head of Department Promotion at AMS Lower Austria

Project team

Karmen Frena, MBA MA

Head of Department Analysis, Development and Control at AMS Lower Austria

Project team

Daniel Riegler, MSc

MAGMA Project Coordination, Department of Analysis, Development and Control, Project Coordination at AMS Lower Austria

Project team

Elisabeth Reiter

AMS counselor for Gramatneusiedl, Deputy Head of Department Jobservice at AMS Schwechat

Project team

Eva Wienerroither

Head of AMS Schwechat

Project team

Daniela Scholl

Implementation of the MAGMA project in Gramatneusiedl, Project management itworks Personalservice

Project team

Andreas Bertalan

Implementation of the MAGMA project in Gramatneusiedl, Deputy project manager itworks Personalservice

Project team

Hannah Quinz

Research assistant in the accompanying research project Marienthal.reversed, University assistant (prae doc ) at the Department of Sociology at the University of Vienna in the research area sociology of work