New labor law 2026: This is how the government influences your job chances!

New labor law 2026: This is how the government influences your job chances!

In a remarkable move, the future government plans to significantly change the framework for the long-term unemployed and asylum seekers. From January 1, 2026, new part-time employees will initially be limited to six months. This was announced in the government program to combat unemployment among the long-term unemployed, while social assistance is to be converted into a “NEW social assistance” with a uniform daily rate linked to the compensatory allowance guideline rate, as the article by vienna.at reported. There are also planned measures to reduce asylum applications in Austria by temporarily stopping family reunification and setting up return processing centers for rejected asylum seekers.

Fixed-term employment contracts on the rise

Current data from the Federal Employment Agency show that almost 38 percent of new jobs subject to social insurance contributions are awarded with fixed-term employment contracts. Young people in particular are affected by this form of work; According to an analysis by, almost half of the employment contracts for young professionals under the age of 25 are temporary managerblatt.de. Fixed-term contracts are a common practice, especially in times of economic uncertainty, which enable companies to plan their workforce flexibly. However, this poses risks for employees, as high proportions of temporary positions are concentrated in sectors with fluctuating demand.

For many employees, the question of permanent employment arises and how they can increase their chances of getting a permanent contract. Commitment, further training and open communication with the employer are cited as crucial factors in creating long-term employment prospects. Sectors such as the cultural and scientific sectors experience a high rate of temporary employment, while professions in construction and the medical sector are less affected. The uncertainty caused by fixed-term contracts is a challenge for many employees, but could also be seen as an opportunity to gain a foothold in a company.