German Authorities Freeze Millions in Labour Crackdown as Temp Work Rules Tighten
Veröffentlicht: 15.07.2026 um 10:37 Uhr, Redaktion boerse-global.de
5 million belonging to a cleaning company accused of evading social security contributions through fake invoices. The move, part of a broader enforcement push, comes as Germany’s temporary-employment sector faces a wave of regulatory changes — from wage floors to sick-leave rules.
In a separate operation near Kassel, customs officers uncovered seven cases of illegal employment in a logistics warehouse. Several workers lacked valid documentation, and nearly two-thirds of those checked were not carrying identity papers. Criminal proceedings have been initiated. The raids, stretching back to November 2025, signal a stepped-up approach by authorities.
Authorities are tightening enforcement across the entire employment landscape – and proper risk assessment documentation is an area often overlooked until it’s too late. A free toolkit with 41 ready-to-use templates helps you create legally compliant risk assessments and operating instructions in minutes. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
Wages for Agency Workers Climb in Stages
Since July 2026, the minimum hourly pay for temporary agency workers stands at €14.96. That figure will rise to €15.33 in September and to €15.87 by April 2027. For context, Germany’s general statutory minimum wage has been €13.90 since January and is scheduled to reach €14.60 at the start of 2027. The threshold for mini-jobs has also increased, to €633 per month.
Fixed-Term Contracts Get Longer – and More Controversial
The government plans to extend the maximum period for fixed-term contracts without a specific reason from two years to four years. Up to six renewals would be allowed until the end of 2030. At the same time, the rules for reporting sickness are hardening. Telephone-based sick notes are to be abolished, and employees may be required to present a doctor’s certificate from the first day of illness. Business representatives warn that such measures signal a loss of trust in workers.
Workplace Safety: Digital Assistant and Stricter Drills
Occupational accident insurers are pushing for more prevention. The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) now requires annual awareness training on the dangers of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Workers who handle high-voltage systems or gas drives must be instructed at least once a year. The BG ETEM, the energy and textile trade association, stresses that basic first-aid training is insufficient – regular, specific refresher courses are mandatory.
A new digital workplace-safety assistant is being introduced to help employers. By processing photos and answering targeted questions, it generates legally compliant risk assessments and operating instructions.
Heat Protection: Warning for Outdoor Workers
The construction workers’ union IG BAU is calling for better protection of outdoor staff. Its “WSS rule” — short for Wasser, Sonnencreme, Schatten (water, sunscreen, shade) — advises a sun-protection factor of 50, long clothing, and plenty of drinking water.
The economic stakes are high: Germany’s total health expenditure reached €579.5 billion in 2025, and work-related absences caused an estimated €134 billion in production losses in 2024 alone. On a positive note, reportable accidents in agriculture fell by 4.6% in 2025, a result attributed to prevention training.
Prevention training is clearly paying off – and having the right documentation in place is the foundation of any effective safety programme. The free Health & Safety Toolkit provides risk assessments, checklists and toolbox talks covering key UK regulations such as COSHH, PUWER and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. Get the free Health & Safety Toolkit
Pay Transparency Still Lags
The EU directive on pay transparency was not fully implemented by June 2026. Berlin now plans to bring it into force in early 2027. Current data shows that only about 20% of job advertisements include salary information, although private employment agencies lead the way at over 54%.
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