Merz’s party vows to clamp down on Germany’s ‘lifestyle part-time work’

2026-01-26 - 15:38

Business wing of Christian Democrats aims to scrap legal right to fewer hours, saying people should need permission The business wing of Germany’s leading Christian Democrats party is proposing a ban on workers’ legal entitlement to work part-time, arguing that those wishing to do fewer hours should have to acquire special permission to do so. Currently, every employee in Europe’s largest economy has a fundamental right to carry out part-time work, with many, particularly women, often needing to do so for reasons relating to childcare or looking after elderly relatives. Continue reading...