Job center merger in the Lake District: One location for everything!

Job center merger in the Lake District: One location for everything!

A big step for labor market policy in the Mecklenburg Lake District: OnJanuary 2, 2026It was decided to merge the North and South job centers. Now there is only one job center for the entire district. This measure comes in response to declining demand, which has fallen dramatically since 2014. Back then they were still round34,000 customersregistered in the two job centers; today there are only a few21,000, highlighting the need for bundling.

District Administrator Thomas Müller (CDU) expects this merger to result in a more uniform and transparent way of working. “There is something to be said,” he says, emphasizing that optimizing the administrative structures will also bring benefits for those in need of help. By merging the job centers, fewer administrative costs will be incurred and resources will be used better, which will ultimately benefit customers.

The locations remain

Important for customers: The five locations inNeubrandenburg,Were,Malchin,AltentreptowandNeustrelitzremain preserved. Here, those seeking help still have the opportunity to receive personal advice in their usual environment. As already communicated in advance, the new job center will be managed byAndy Bünningwho comes from Neubrandenburg.

The merger was officially sealed by the signing of a “foundation-accompanying agreement” between the heads of the employment agency and the district. Officially, the new job center is considered the largest in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with over400 employees, which will seamlessly transition into the new structure.

Financial support for those in need

Last year over163 million eurospaid out in benefits. What is striking here is that almost83.6 million eurosas citizen's money as well52.5 million euroswere provided for accommodation costs. These figures illustrate the great responsibility that rests on the new structures.

The labor market statistics from the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs provide interesting insights into developments in the region. Continuous feedback from those in need of help and the adaptation of services are essential in order to best meet the needs of the population. “In the future, the consultation will also take place in community rooms or at potential employers,” said those responsible. This flexibility could represent decisive progress for many of those affected.

Overall, the merger of the job centers is seen not only as a response to current needs, but also as part of a nationwide standard that provides for the establishment of one job center per district. This creates a uniform framework to some extent that benefits both customers and the administration.

So the steps being taken here are not just local measures, but part of a broader strategy to improve employment services. At the forefront of the new job center is the clear vision of not only reducing administrative costs, but above all of providing people with the support they urgently need.