The corona virus and the associated isolation measures raise many questions: Not only do the infection numbers continue to rise, the virus also causes changes in the world of work. But what do workers and the self-employed have to watch out for now?
When can I and when do I have to stay at home?
According to the Federal Ministry of Labor, there is no legal requirement to work from home. However, employees can agree a special arrangement with their employer. Of course, this is not possible in every industry – for example with craftsmen. However, the government's and health experts' calls to limit social contacts are forcing employers to grapple with home office issues and to explore ways to minimize infections in their own workplaces.
However, an employer may not arrange home office unilaterally, an agreement between the two parties is required. The best thing is to always talk to each other and find solutions that both sides can live with.
I have symptoms of the disease or tested positive for the coronavirus. Do I have to inform my employer?
Basically, according to the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) there is no obligation to disclose a medical diagnosis to the employer or colleagues. Only an incapacity to work must be reported, as well as the expected duration and a medical certificate.
A disease in connection with contagious pathogens such as measles or influenza, and also the coronavirus, is subject to official reporting. This means that the doctor must report a COVID-19 disease, as well as suspected cases, to the responsible authorities immediately, so that measures to combat the disease can be initiated.
Do I have to take business trips?
According to the DGB, the duty to work also includes business trips. Health experts and political leaders, however, are calling for travel activities to be kept to a minimum. In addition, travel restrictions were introduced abroad and air and rail traffic were restricted. As a result, many business trips are currently not feasible anyway.
If the employer requests a business trip, the following rules apply: If there is an official travel warning from the Federal Foreign Office, the employee can refuse the business trip – but a mere safety instruction is not enough. A business trip can also be refused if there are circumstances that pose significant health risks.
Entire business quarantined or closed: Will I still get paid?
According to the DGB, if an entire company is quarantined or closed by the competent authority, the following normally applies: the employer bears the risk and thus also the labor costs. A mass event like the corona pandemic, however, poses new challenges for companies – in some cases politics have to step in to ensure that employees are entitled to remuneration. This is done, for example, by paying short-time work benefits through the Federal Employment Agency.
What rights do workers have when schools and day care centers are closed?
Parents must primarily take care of their children themselves. Entitlement to continued remuneration may apply here for a certain period of time. The Federal Ministry of Labor recommends working together with the employer on a suitable solution, such as home office, flexible working hours or reducing overtime.
What do I have to consider as a self-employed person or entrepreneur?
Anyone who works independently, freelance or creates culture can apply to the state for emergency aid. Help can also be provided here with short-time work benefits. KfW-Bank offers a special program and state-owned banks and governments also offer emergency aid.