Zugl.: @Diss.

This paper offers a complex view on the German economic policy, from the theoretical as well as the historical point of view. It discusses the current challenges and problems of the German economy, whose common factor are the negative demographic changes. One part of the paper also covers the actions aiming on minimalizing the influence of the financial crisis. The purpose of this thesis is to discuss the sustainability of the welfare state as well as the global competitiveness.

Résumé This thesis focuses on the implementation of the active employment policy in the Czech Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany and in particular its use of a time when the labour market is negatively affected by the effects of the economic recession. Financial support provided to employers to create or maintain jobs proved to be crucial, confirming the model used in the Federal Republic of Germany. The analysis of tre nds in the labour market shows increasing importance of implementing active employment policy, which both lead to job creation, but the activation of unemployed persons. The findings of this thesis stems can be applied throughout the Czech Republic. Some m easures to increase employment can be implemented without significant interference, in a change in methodology, but some must be implemented on the basis of political acceptability.

The aim of this thesis is to present and analyse the alternatives to downsizing of employees from the point of view of the active employment policy applied in Austria during the financial and economic crisis 2008-2010. First, the paper explores downsizing in the period of economic crisis and compares legal forms of employment termination in Austria and in the Czech Republic, as well as other relevant legal topics. Furthermore, it points out some selected issues from austrian labour law. Second, the thesis focuses on active employment policy tools which aim to avoid downsizing at least for the temporary, short-time economic crisis and on tools which at least ease consequences of downsizing by helping the fired employee to find a new employment path. The thesis analyses the evolution, legal background and use of short working time in detail, as well as the background of educational leave. Eventually, the paper deals with a revolutionary version of outplacement -- with labour foundations -- an outplacement model developed in Austria.