Dehoga urges German government to protect minijobs

The German hospitality association Dehoga is urging the federal government to maintain the attractiveness and affordability of minijobs. The association's leadership has unanimously called for the preservation of current minijob structures and the immediate implementation of promised working-hour flexibilities from the coalition agreement.

Dehoga warns that rising employer contributions could increase from approximately 31.17 percent to as much as 42.27 percent of wages, which could lead to the de facto abolition of the minijob model in its current form. The association notes that approximately seven million people in Germany utilize this employment type, with 95 percent being students, pupils, or retirees.

Additionally, businesses face increased legal and financial risks regarding compliance. As of January 1, 2026, the statutory minimum wage is set to reach 13.90 euros per hour. Failure to strictly document working hours or adhere to wage requirements can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to 500,000 euros for minimum wage violations and 50,000 euros for documentation failures.