Working time fraud is one of the most serious breaches of duty in an employment relationship - but how far can employers go to investigate such allegations? In its ruling of February 11, 2025 (Ref.: 7 Sa 635/23), the Cologne Higher Labor Court sent a clear signal: In the event of concrete suspicion, employers are also allowed to use a detective agency - and the costs for this can be reimbursed to the
A seemingly everyday mishap - swallowed while drinking coffee, fell and injured - has now occupied the Saxony-Anhalt State Social Court. In its ruling of 22 May 2025 (case no. L 6 U 45/23), the court clarified that even such an incident can constitute an accident at work under certain circumstances - provided the coffee consumption serves business purposes. The ruling raises
From January 2025, employers will no longer have to carry out a risk assessment for all workplaces, regardless of the reason, in accordance with the Maternity Protection Act. The obligation to carry out a risk assessment remains in place, but there is no longer a general obligation to analyze every activity preventively. The focus is on selected or high-risk jobs. Opportunities and risks Relief: Less bureaucracy for companies. Potential risk: Employers may
Since January 1, 2025, employers in Germany have been allowed to issue employment references electronically - provided the employee agrees. The basis for this is the new regulation of Section 109 Para. 3 GewO as part of the Bureaucracy Relief Act IV. For the first time, the electronic form is no longer excluded. Formal requirements: Consent and qualified signature Consent of the employee The
