Outplacement Foundation

The Outplacement Employment Foundation represents a social partnership instrument that supports companies throughout Austria in socially responsible workforce reductions. Based on a social plan and in cooperation with company-based as well as supra-company social partners, the foundation offers unemployed individuals comprehensive career orientation and initial as well as further training measures. The goal is professional reorientation and upskilling with a clear focus on sustainable reintegration into the labor market. Funding is provided as a continuously accessible grant and is based on the actual training and additional expenses incurred by the participants. The Public Employment Service (AMS) covers the continuation of unemployment benefits during participation, thereby securing a "foundation unemployment benefit," and supports necessary adjustment processes resulting from structural change in regional and structural policy.

Companies planning significant workforce reductions can initiate and finance an employment foundation together with the AMS and social partners. A prerequisite for funding is the existence of a social plan as well as a conceptual foundation plan and the positive decision of the AMS. Participants must be entitled to unemployment benefits and are not permitted to undertake practical training within the downsizing company under the Outplacement Foundation, unless the concept provides for a return. The project duration is up to 36 months. Funding is provided primarily for career orientation, professional initial and further training, as well as grants to cover additional training-related expenses. Applications can be submitted at any time until the funding volume is exhausted, ensuring timely and needs-based implementation.