Germany: 192,000 Severely Disabled People Unemployed as DGB Demands Stronger Job Protections

Summary

In July 2026, approximately 192,000 people with severe disabilities were registered as unemployed in Germany — a 3.4% increase year-on-year, far outpacing the 0.9% general unemployment rise. The DGB (German Trade Union Confederation) published an 'Arbeitsmarkt aktuell' briefing on 1 September 2026 demanding better job-loss protections and targeted support for this group. DGB board member Anja Piel stated that losing a job hits severely disabled people particularly hard, as re-entry is significantly more difficult despite often strong qualifications. Meanwhile, Germany's raised Ausgleichsabgabe (compensatory levy) took effect in March 2026: employers with 20+ positions who employ zero severely disabled workers now pay €815 per unfilled mandatory position per month. The mandatory quota remains 5%, but the average rate at larger employers stood at just 4.7% in the latest data. The changes represent the sharpest financial incentive yet for German employers to hire inclusively.