Germany: the federal government prepares tougher measures against illegal labor

Illegal labor: widen the circle of culprits.  The bill provides that, when illegal workers are spotted, legal responsibility will no longer simply fall on workers and their direct employers, it will be extended to contractors, subcontractors and project supervisors.  Therefore, the latter will also incur fines and have to participate in the expenses to escort the illegal workers.  Besides, foreign workers who were illegally employed and paid much less than the average in the sector will be entitled to stay in Germany, on a temporary basis, to be able to get compensation in court.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

easingly worrying the German economy: opening the labor market to new EU citizens and the growing shortage in skilled workers. (Ref. 100682)

Illegal labor: widen the circle of culprits. The bill provides that, when illegal workers are spotted, legal responsibility will no longer simply fall on workers and their direct employers, it will be extended to contractors, subcontractors and project supervisors. Therefore, the latter will also incur fines and have to participate in the expenses to esc

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: La Poste signs first agreement on older workers
On 28 January, La Poste signed an initial agreement with three trade unions (CFDT, CGT, FO) on senior employees, focusing in particular on quality of life at work, skills transfer, and equal...
EU: trade unions express concern over 28th legal regime for companies
The proposed “28th regime” — a single European legal framework for innovative companies — was discussed at the informal European Council on 12 February. “We all agree...
13 February 2026
France: Orano steps up efforts to support sick employees
Nuclear fuel cycle corporation Orano has signed a quality of life and working conditions agreement with unions aimed at strengthening support for employees facing illness. The deal, concluded on 5...
EU: Parliament backs regulation of subcontracting chains
On 12 February, the European Parliament adopted the Danielsson report on subcontracting chains by 332 votes to 209. The text recognises that the use of subcontracting, particularly for activities...
12 February 2026
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
2026 TRENDS — Tackling skills shortages and mismatches
mind HR is analysing the trends that will shape 2026. Skills shortages have become a central challenge for businesses, reflecting deep-seated shifts in the labour market as roles evolve rapidly...
2
France: Medef publishes guide to support career transitions and retraining
France's largest employer federation Medef has provided its regional representatives with a practical guide designed to support career transitions and retraining. Structured around three key tools...
6 February 2026
3
EU: Commission wants to facilitate entry of international ‘talent’
In a recommendation published on 29 January, the European Commission calls on member states to take a series of measures to attract and retain international talent. It targets holders of skilled...
4
France: 2026 budget expected to maintain employer contribution relief
On 19 January 2026, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu decided to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass France's 2026 budget without a vote in the National Assembly. Three days...
5
EU: Cyprus unveils its six-month presidency programme
Cyprus has set out its priorities for its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU. On the social front, the centre-right government will focus on the Union of Skills, which aims to boost...
6
Informal economy and slow wage growth hamper decent work, ILO says
The International Labour Organisation published its Employment ans Social Trends 2026 on 14 January. It anticipates unemployment stabilising in 2026 and employment growth of 1%, driven by...