Discontinuity in Work Life and the Firm

The influence of the firm & former work life on the probability of discontinuity in current employment between 1993 & 1995 is analyzed. For reconstructing individual work lives, we use data from the "German Employment Statistic Register Sample 1975-1995" of the Instit of Employment Research. Characteristics of the firm were taken from the "firm panel" (Betriebspanel) of the same institution between 1993 & 1995. Both samples were merged to create a "linked employer-employee" data-set. Therefore, firm-related variables like number of employees, economic situation, & industry are independent of individual characteristics. In our empirical model, we included change of employer, interruption of work, & unemployment as competing risks. Our analysis shows that former work life has an independent influence on the risk of work interruption or unemployment between 1993 & 1995. Furthermore, qualified persons who experienced job shifts in their last firm & those who are employed by larger employers that invest in their employees have a greater probability to move directly to another employer. In sum, our results indicate a "reproduction" of discontinuous employment patterns over the work life. 2 Tables, 1 Figure, 48 References. Adapted from the source document.