Germany Overhauls Labour Rules: Four-Week Job Trials and Mandatory Doctor’s Notes from Day One

Getting a sick note without seeing a doctor is about to become a thing of the past in Germany. The federal cabinet has approved a legislative package that, among other changes, will require employees to provide a medical certificate starting from the first day of illness – reversing a pandemic-era policy that allowed phone-based sick notes.

“We are closing a loophole that was abused during the health crisis,” a government spokesperson said, adding that tougher sanctions await anyone caught submitting fraudulent certificates. The legislation is expected to clear parliament by the end of this year.

As German employers prepare for new obligations, UK businesses should also review their own compliance posture. Many companies risk significant fines for not having proper health and safety documentation on hand. The free Health & Safety Toolkit from Health & Safety Adviser gives you instant access to risk assessments, checklists and toolbox talks that cover key UK regulations like the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and COSHH. Download the free Health & Safety Toolkit

But the reform goes far beyond sick leave. At the heart of the bill, which was adopted in mid-July, is a new “job-to-job trial” model. Workers can now test a new position for up to four weeks without resigning from their current one. In exceptional cases, the trial period can be extended to six weeks. The government hopes this will lower the psychological and financial barrier to changing employers.

The legislative process is scheduled to wrap up by November 2026. Once in force, the rules will also allow people receiving unemployment benefits to communicate entirely digitally with the Federal Employment Agency. The requirement to be personally reachable at the postal address listed on file disappears. Applications follow a “digital first” principle, and advisory sessions can be held via video call.

Fixed-term contracts without a specific reason are also being extended. Instead of the current two-year limit, companies will be able to hire staff for up to four years. Within that period, up to six contract extensions are permitted. The regulation will apply initially until the end of 2030.

Minimum wage figures are climbing in three stages. Since January 2026, the national floor has stood at €13.90 per hour. It will rise to €14.60 in January 2027. In the temporary staffing sector, a lower limit of €14.96 has applied since July, increasing to €15.33 in September and €15.87 by April 2027.

Healthcare workers are also receiving raises. As of July, skilled nursing professionals earn a minimum of €21.03 per hour. Qualified nursing assistants get €17.80, and aides without formal training receive €16.52.

Chancellor Merz has announced a separate draft law for the autumn that would make working hours more flexible – especially for companies not covered by collective agreements. One idea under discussion is shifting from a daily maximum to a weekly maximum working time. The standard eight-hour day would remain, but with broader exemptions.

While Germany removes certain safety officer requirements, UK directors remain personally liable for workplace safety under the Health & Safety at Work Act. The free Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Toolkit includes a directors' liability guide, risk assessments and checklists to help you avoid costly penalties. Get the free Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Toolkit

On the same day, the cabinet approved a relief package for small and medium-sized enterprises. Up to 123,000 company safety officers in SMEs are being abolished, saving businesses an estimated €720 million annually. Regular inspection reports for office equipment such as coffee machines and water kettles are also being scrapped. The government says total bureaucratic savings since the end of 2025 amount to roughly €10.4 billion per year, with further measures planned – including the abolition of the receipt requirement and adjustments to merger control rules.

en | boerse | 69777093 |