A key policy approach has been the support of training, in the case of Baden-Württemberg this was allied to temporary short-term working allowances, providing an opportunity to raise skill levels during the reduced hours of the working week. This counters the tendency whereby employers reduce training budgets during the economic downturn. In contrast, in other regional cases training was targeted on the unemployed to assist their return to work. In a contracting labour market this may prove less effective, but may provide longer-term benefits through a general raising of skill levels within the region.

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