The number of ill employees has increased again significantly in the first half of this year. The Ministry for Health attributes the increase to the influenza wave this spring. The increase of the sickness rate was strongest in June. German industrial associations, however, attribute the increase of missed work time to the reintroduction of full sick-pay. In contrast, the reduced sick-pay had relieved the companies by 12 billion marks compared to 1995.
DAG prepares for longer opening hours for shops Hamburg.
In an interview, the deputy DAG-chairman Gartz said that he considers it a mistake to implement the new law on opening hours in the fall. Should longer opening hours be introduced, new working hours systems, higher premiums and job security measures should be negotiated. Other states too are supporting the relaxation of opening hours. Tax on manufacturer through second-hand car law significantly lower Berlin. The tax on German car manufacturers through the EU-guidelines on the disposal of second cars, has turned out to be significantly lower than feared by the industry.