The coronavirus is all over the news. What German employers need
to consider now.
What is short-time work?
Short-time work is defined as the temporary reduction in
operational working hours (including the complete cessation of work
for a certain period of time, so-called "zero working
hours" [Kurzarbeit Null]. This can apply to the entire
operation or to selected organizational units thereof.
What is the purpose of short-time work? Why is short-time work
worth having?
Where short-time work applies, employees work less (on a
temporary basis) and, accordingly, receive less remuneration from
their employer during this period. This allows employers to reduce
labour costs if, for example, supply chain interruptions occur in
connection with the coronavirus outbreak or if an operation has to
be shut down temporarily due to protective measures imposed by the
government.
