Germany’s Federal Labor Court (BAG) has clarified that the special dismissal protection for employees on parental leave continues even during the gaps between separate leave periods. In a ruling from late June 2026, the judges confirmed that the protective shield applies eight weeks before the start of each individual leave segment. Any termination issued without prior approval from the competent authority is void.
The decision adds another layer to a string of recent labor rulings. In March 2026, the same court had already established that mistakes in a mass-dismissal notification automatically render the termination invalid. Unlike some earlier interpretations, correcting the notification later does not fix the error. That
A separate ruling from the Berlin Labor Court on June 26, 2026, underscores the importance of proper procedure. The court declared the dismissal of a manager ineffective, partly because the works council consultation had not been carried out correctly and deadlines for an extraordinary termination had been missed.
Beyond dismissal rules, the apprenticeship system is seeing multiple developments. The DGB Youth union offers an anonymous advice service called “Dr. Azubi” that helps trainees with issues such as switching employers, overtime, and the legal hurdles of quitting. Social media platforms like TikTok are also gaining traction as channels for explaining the basics of apprenticeship law and how to break off a training contract.
In the skilled trades, the “Hand-In” project reports early results: integrating international apprentices is a key strategy for securing future skilled workers. Companies that maintain an open workplace culture and assign dedicated contact persons see fewer early contract terminations. Employers note that once language barriers and housing searches are tackled together, trainees show high motivation.
Financial support for apprentices with disabilities has been expanded. Employers can claim subsidies for training allowances — typically 60 percent, rising to 80 percent for those with severe disabilities. Under Social Code III, integration grants of up to 70 percent for twelve months are available if apprentices are taken on permanently after their training. The goal is to reduce dropout rates and build long-term employment prospects.
On the bureaucratic front, the number of people receiving support from the Advancement Training Allowance (Aufstiegs-BAföG) dipped 1.9 percent in 2025, to around 186,100 individuals. Yet the total funding volume rose to €1.1 billion, meaning the average grant per person increased. The federal and state governments have promised to ease documentation requirements under their modernisation agenda. The German Skilled Trades Confederation (ZDH), however, criticises the pace of red-tape reduction as too slow. Further discussions are scheduled for mid-July 2026 in the cabinet committee for relief.
