Social Justice and „Hartz IV“ in Germany
What consequences can Sheffield draw from the German debate?
Venue: Sheffield University, HRI (34 Gell Street, S3 7QY)
Date: Thursday, 1 May 2014
Over the past decades Sheffield has regenerated itself in a modern city. The economic performance
of Sheffield however remains a mixed story. Whereas Sheffield’s unemployment rate has declined in
the last months, youth unemployment, particularly long term youth unemployment, is still too high.
Furthermore, there continues to be a sharp divide between rich and poor areas in Sheffield. Not only
is the household Income considerably less in poorer areas compared to more affluent areas but there
remain large numbers of people, who do not possess a single educational qualification. Moreover,
21% of all children in the city live in households, which receive council tax benefits or housing
benefit. So, more needs to be done on the local level to support these families.
In German cities the situation is not much different to Sheffield. In addition, back in 2002, the
Schroeder government undertook far-reaching labour market reforms (the so called Hartz reforms),
which deeply affected families living on benefits. Many British people believe that the Hartz reforms
have provided a major boost for Germany’s competiveness. However, what most people don’t know
is that they brought many negative side effects. The speaker Undine Zimmer had to experience what
it means for a child and for his parents to live on Hartz IV.
What consequences can Sheffield draw from the German debate given that the British government
has embarked on an overhaul of the British welfare system? Are there common solutions on the local
level how to help disadvantaged families better? This event will bring together speaker from the local
level who will discuss those questions.
Programme
5.30pm
Book Reading
Reading by Undine Zimmer from her book No bad parents – My Hartz-IV Family
She will read in German. It will be translated into English.
6pm
Panel Debate
Introduction by Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council
Speakers:
Undine Zimmer, author of the book No bad parents – My Hartz-IV Family
Frances Potter, Sheffield Citizens Advice Bureau
Simon Duffy, Director of The Centre for Welfare Reform
Dr Peter Thompson, Reader in German, Sheffield University