Germany: working time reduction to care for dependent people subject to company’s consent

Therefore, Kristina Schröder presented a ‘light’ bill on the reduction of working time to care for a dependent family member (Familienpflegeteilzeit), ratified by the members of the coalition in power (see our dispatch No.  100757).  Since the draft doesn’t provide for a statutory obligation, it will take the form of a directive, not a law.  When the employer gives his consent, the employee will be allowed to cut working time up to 50% for up to two years.  During this time, employees will keep receiving 75% of their salary.  To pay the company back. They will keep earning 75% of their salary for two years after returning full time.  Businesses are totally free of accepting or refusing.  They can also determine the modalities of the Familienpflegeteilzeit via a company agreement negotiated with the WC.  To allow small businesses to access this offer, the KfW public bank will grant them zero-interest loans amounting to the wage supplement to pay for two years to avoid cash flow problems.  Finally, during the four years of the process, employees will have to get insurance against the risk of changing jobs or disability.  The FDP rejoiced with the non-binding character of the measure and of the possibility for small businesses to get financial support.  Initially, this measure was planned for businesses with 15+ employees.  Even though it isn’t an obligation, the Ministry of Family Affairs is banking on about 100,000 requests a year and €15-20M in financial support.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

ss this offer, the KfW public bank will grant them zero-interest loans amounting to the wage supplement to pay for two years to avoid cash flow problems. Finally, during the four years of the process, employees will have to get insurance against the risk of changing jobs or disability. The FDP rejoiced with the non-binding character of the measure and of the possibility for small businesses to get financial support. Initially, this measure was planned for businesses with 15+ employees. Even

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
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
EU: Commission issues first recommendation on human capital as part of European Semester
In parallel with the European Semester adopted on 25 November, which proposes guidelines to member states on economic policies for the coming year, the European Commission has adopted an...
3
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...
4
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...