German intelligence cannot find 'spies'
German intelligence is struggling to replace retiring spies. Working from home is the most common request of young interviewees, while the 'personal cell phone ban' is also a challenge for candidates.
The retirement of older and more experienced employees has put Germany's intelligence services in a difficult position. Bruno Kahl, the head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service, said it was difficult to meet and understand the demands of young would-be spies.
THEY DEMAND FOR REMOTE WORKING
Speaking to Reuters, Kahl said that young candidates called for interviews had specifically requested to work from home, but that the intelligence service was not in a position to provide this opportunity. "Remote working is not possible at the BND for security reasons," Kahl said.
'PERSONAL CELL PHONE' DEMAND IS ALSO A CHALLENGE
"For the same reason, intelligence officers are not allowed to bring their personal cell phones to work, which is too much for young people looking for a job," Kahl said, according to Independent Turkish.
The head of the BND emphasized that due to the structure of the service, they cannot offer working conditions that the general public can take for granted. According to information on its website, the intelligence service employs around 6,500 people.
UK AND USA HAVE 'FLEXIBLE' CONDITIONS
MI6, the UK's foreign intelligence agency, offers candidates 'flexible working opportunities based on personal schedules'.
The website of the CIA, the US foreign intelligence service, states: 'We strive to provide a work-life balance through flexible working conditions."
It is not known whether MI6 or the CIA offers the option to work from home.
Source: Independent, Guardian, Reuters