Work in Germany. Changes affecting employees in Germany 2022. If you have been working in Germany you must be prepared for a number of changes. Some of them are positive changes like receiving more money.
Here are the changes taking place in October:
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Increase of minimum wage in Germany
Beginning 1st October 2022, the minimum wage (Mindestlohn) in Germany is set to increase to 12euros per hour. This means the basic salary will soon be 1,980 euros, one of the highest in Europe. Currently the minimum wage in Germany is at 10.45 euros per hour.
Changes for employees at Minijob and Midijob
Remuneration for work under Minijob may not exceed the monthly amount stipulated by law. Due to the increase in the minimum wage in Germany this year, the rate will increase from 450 to 520 euros. At the same time, new regulations will come into force, changing the rules for paying social security contributions.
From October, anyone wishing to switch from Minijob to Midijob will be able to do so without fear that the premiums will consume most of the money generated during overtime.
Extention of the Kurzarbeit program to December 31, 2022
The Bundestag decided to extend the Kurzarbeit program to 31st December this year from 1st October. The reason behind this is the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in Germany.
Final call for submitting a tax declaration for 2021
The German government extended the deadline for submitting tax returns for 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. Self-filing taxpayers have until the end of October 2022. Part time workers (Kurzarbeit) are require to submit a tax declaration by end of October. Property owners in Germany also have to submit an additional declaration by end of October.
Changes in the covid act
An amendment to the Infection Protection Act will be enforced on 1st October 2022. Only those who have received all three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine will be considered “fully vaccinated.” Professionals in the health and care sector, who are generally required to have a valid vaccination certificate, will have to adapt to new requirements.
Changes in companies due to the energy crisis
A number of bans related to the energy crisis will apply from October, which will impact the operation of workplaces. Companies that consume 10 gigawatt hours (GWh) or more per year must implement energy efficiency measures. According to the ministry, they may include replacement of lighting with LED or optimization of work processes.
Read also: Scholz promises more help for companies. Inflation bonus for employees “is just the beginning”
Germany: New regulations to reduce energy and gas consumption starting September
Source: Wunderweib