Part-time and Fixed-term Employment Act: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to request a reduction in your working hours under this German labor law if you work for a company with more than 15 employees.
This law gives employees the right to request a reduction in their working hours to accommodate personal needs.
Who it's for
This applies to employees who want to reduce their current working hours. To qualify for the right to request this change, you must work for a company that has more than 15 employees.
What you get
You have the legal right to request part-time work. This allows you to adjust your schedule to better balance your job with your personal life.
What it costs you
There is no monetary cost to this scheme, but you must follow a formal process. You are required to submit your request as a formal written document to your employer.
The catch to know
Your employer does not have to agree to your request if they can prove there are "compelling operational reasons." This means the business must show that your reduced hours would cause significant practical or financial problems for the company's operations.
How to apply
- Determine if your employer has more than 15 employees.
- Decide exactly how many hours you wish to work per week.
- Prepare a formal written request for part-time work.
- Submit the written request to your employer.