Employment trends Germany - May 2021

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New developments concerning equal pay in Germany

To enforce the principle of equal pay for men and women, the German legislator created the Pay Transparency Act in 2017. A number of recent decisions by the German Federal Labour Court have brought new momentum to the discussion on transparent pay structures. Read more here.

German works council strengthening act 2021

Shortly before the year-end, the German Federal Ministry of Labour published a draft law to strengthen the institution of works councils. In March, labour minister Hubertus Heil's draft was slightly amended and launched by the cabinet as the Works Council Modernisation Act. Read more here.

Covid-19: Continuing to impact HR teams in 2021

Home office obligation for employees after all

While employees were previously only asked to make use of their employer's home office offer, they are now in principle obliged to do so. Read more here.

Who bears the costs for the workplace at home?

Under the current legal status, employees have no entitlement to request working from home. Whether the employer has to bear the resulting costs nevertheless often depends on details. Read more here.

Occupational health and safety when working from home

When formerly temporary home office arrangements become permanent, employers should take a closer look at relevant occupational health and safety regulation. Read more here.

Obligation for employers to offer Covid-19 tests

From mid-April onwards, German employers are obliged to offer free Covid-19 tests to all employees. This should further reduce the risk of infection in the workplace. Read more here.

Covid testing and vaccination requirements at work?

Whether employers in Germany can make Covid testing or vaccination a requirement is the subject of public debate and legal disputes. A first German court decision has already been made in this regard. Read more here.

Additional reading on this topic

• Vaccination bonus for employees - legally permissible or not?
• Holiday entitlement during periods of short-time work
• Covid-19 Updates: Keep up to date with all Covid-19 related developments here

The German employment practice, headed by Sascha Morgenroth, consists of eight lawyers who act for a variety of national and international companies as well as for a number of leading international investment banks and DAX/MDAX-listed companies.

We are able to provide you with legal advice and forensic services in all fields of individual and collective employment law.