The German Government plans to reintroduce the obligation to work from home in view of the sharp increase in infections with the coronavirus, according to a project of the Ministry of Labor to which dpa had access.

The document aims to modify the law on protection against infections and proposes: “In the case of office work or comparable activities, the employer must offer employees the possibility of carrying out these activities at home if there are no compelling operational reasons. The workers must accept this offer if there are no reasons to the contrary on their part.”

Compulsory adaptation

Sources close to the Social Democrats, Greens and Liberals who are negotiating a possible coalition agreement to form the future government, pointed out that the parties have not yet reached consensus on the matter.

The foreseen regulation on compulsory telework is part of the bill on the so-called “3G” standard in the workplace, according to which only vaccinated, recovered and negative COVID-test people will be able to go to work.

Germany introduced teleworking under the so-called “emergency brake” to curb infections, a measure that expired at the end of June.

Since then, companies must continue to maintain hygiene standards and offer two weekly coronavirus tests to employees.

Source: dpa