Germany: preparations for a draft law on restrictions over temporary contracts and services provisions contracts (Werkverträge)

On Monday 16 November, Andrea Nahles, Minister for Employment and Social Affairs, in following the coalition government’s program, presented parliament with her third key project that looks to restrict recourse to temporary contracts and services contracts. The draft law looks to limit temporary work in the same company to a period of 18 months including the possibility to negotiate an extension to this period. A series of eight criteria will set out regulations over a favorite employment strategy of German companies, i.e. services contracts. The draft law that still has to go before the Chancellor and the Ministers concerned has been broadly criticized by the Employers’ Federations who believe it will lead to an administrative monster as well as serving as a brake on the digitalization of the economy.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

18 month limit on temporary work. Following measures over the minimum wage and retirement at age 63, the Minister for Employment and Social Affairs, Andrea Nahles presented a draft law on labor market regulations that is expected to come into force on 01 January 2017. The draft law includes two significant changes to temporary work. First, temporary workers cannot be employed for more than 18 months in the same company. An exception to this will be authorized if the company signs a sector colle

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Pascale Rauline (Axa EWC): “European charter formalises ongoing and accelerated social dialogue on AI”
On 27 November, Axa and its European works council (EWC) signed a charter setting out principles governing the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and guaranteeing social dialogue on the...
2
Germany: crisis-hit industries cast shadow over 2026 bargaining cycle
In 2026, collective wage agreements for nearly 10 million employees in Germany are set to expire. With upcoming negotiations in crisis-hit 'pilot' sectors such as chemicals and metalworking, the...
2 December 2025
3
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
4
Bulgaria: government approves bill to encourage sector-level collective bargaining
On 26 November, the Bulgarian government approved amendments to the labour code designed to reinforce the legal framework for sector-level collective bargaining. The reform aims to stimulate...
2 December 2025
5
Inditex European works council mobilises on value sharing
In a joint statement, 10 trade unions comprising the European works council of the Inditex clothing group are calling for rallies in Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, France, Italy and Germany...
6
Germany: Erwin Hymer Group’s innovative and award-winning AI agreement
Fed up with negotiating separate agreements for each new artificial intelligence (AI) tool, the social partners at Erwin Hymer Group (8,900 employees) have instead secured a broad, overarching...
12 December 2025