Clifford Chance

Collective dismissals at a glance – an update

30 June 2014

The implementation of collective dismissals in Germany is a complex process. First, the employer must inform and consult with one or more employee representatives on different aspects of the proposed dismissals; secondly the employer has to notify the competent employment agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit); and thirdly it must comply with several individual dismissal requirements to justify a dismissal on operational grounds. This briefing highlights the key issues on consultation obligations and the consequences of a recent decision of the Federal Labour Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht).

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