Hamburg Takes Action to Address Shortage of Skilled Workers in the Judiciary

The shortage of skilled workers does not stop at the Hamburg judicial authorities. There are jobs, but there are not enough qualified applicants, says Senator Anna Gallina. More money should now help the prospective correctional officers.

Against the background of the shortage of personnel and skilled workers in the judiciary, prospective law enforcement officers in Hamburg receive significantly more money. “Candidates will receive around 400 euros more gross in their training,” said Justice Senator Anna Gallina (Greens). “With this measure, we want to contribute to increasing the attractiveness of this very responsible profession.”

Hamburg Senator for Justice: “It’s a solid training salary”

So far, the candidates have earned around 2000 euros gross per month. Due to the increase in the so-called candidate special surcharge on September 1, it is around 400 euros more. “That’s a solid training salary,” said the senator.

According to the authorities, 87 junior staff are currently being trained in the general prison service. Only 22 of the 40 possible training places this year could be filled.

Gallina also has trouble finding enough staff in other areas of her department. “We have many vacancies in the non-judicial area, in the offices of the courts,” she said. “Unlike in other areas, we don’t have a job problem here: the jobs are there, we just don’t have enough applicants who are suitably qualified.”

Shortage of skilled workers: Profession in the judiciary is also changing

This is particularly evident in the district courts. “We are reacting to this by adjusting the distribution of our junior staff accordingly. But it’s true that the ceiling is simply too short.” In addition, a task force is being set up that can be used flexibly to absorb peak loads. “This is a first step. Of course, the aim must be to avoid peak loads so that citizens no longer have to wait long.”

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In order to fill gaps, one must also ask oneself in the judiciary what the job profiles of the future will look like. “A lot is changing at the moment, just with the introduction of the electronic file.” Many young people also have different expectations of work. “You want to be able to develop. We also have to open up medium-term perspectives in the judiciary, otherwise it will be difficult.”

Senator: More money – more appreciation

Last but not least, “proper remuneration is a very decisive factor – in the entire public service,” said Gallina. “We are making good progress in the area of ​​court offices.” A judgment of the Federal Labor Court is now being implemented and the employees of the offices are being classified much better. Depending on the individual case, this higher grouping can amount to between 180 euros and 640 euros gross more.

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However, the problem of the shortage of skilled workers and workers is so great that it cannot be solved with just one measure. “You have to do a lot of things. And it also has something to do with appreciation – that you also appreciate those who organize a large part of living together in this country.” (dpa/ncd)