PRESS STATEMENT Short-time work: The employee’s share of social security contributions belongs to the employees

Jörg Hofmann: “Under short-time work, employees receive 60 percent of their net pay; if they have children, they receive 67 percent. For many, that’s not enough to cover rent and living expenses. That’s why IG Metall is calling for the employee’s share of social security contributions to be passed on to employees during short-time work. Currently, employers are fully reimbursed for social security contributions, including the employee’s share. That is unfair. In collective bargaining agreements and company agreements, IG Metall has succeeded in securing employer top-ups to short-time work benefits, so that employees receive 80 percent or more of their net pay. But for many employees, such arrangements do not apply. That is why policymakers must act. Passing on the employee’s share of social security contributions is not only a matter of fairness; it also helps stabilize demand and cushion the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.”

Further information and press photos of Jörg Hofmann