German groups avoid pain of job cuts

Article discusses the the German programme of 'kurzarbeit', a state-sponsored scheme subsidising workers who agree to work fewer hours or take long-term leave during the global economic crisis.

Some voices warn that the scheme will only delay the necessary pain of adapting to a prolonged period of sluggish demand.

ESO: Background information: Short-time German workers ease jobs crisis http://www.europeansources.info/record/short-time-german-workers-ease-jobs-crisis/

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