Title:
Everything You Need to Know About Working Through Temporary Employment Agencies in Germany

Introduction

Are you looking for a job opportunity in Germany and searching for effective ways to enter the labour market? Working through temporary employment agencies, known as “Leiharbeit” or “Zeitarbeit”, is one of the common options that can open many doors for you in various sectors. In this system, you are employed by a temporary employment agency which then assigns you to other companies that need staff for limited periods.

How does working through temporary employment agencies work?

• Employment contract with the agency:
Your journey starts by signing an employment contract with a temporary employment agency. This contract is often permanent, which can provide you with a certain level of job stability.

• Assignment to different companies:
The agency sends you to different companies that need workers. Even though you work on site in these companies, the employment agency remains your official employer.

• Payment and administration:
The employment agency pays your salary and handles all administrative matters, such as holidays and social insurance contributions.

Important note:
Working through temporary employment agencies does not necessarily mean short-term work; you can build a long-term career path with the agency.

Advantages and disadvantages of working through temporary employment agencies

Advantages:

• Fast entry into the labour market:
An excellent opportunity to start your professional career in Germany without having to go through lengthy recruitment processes.

• Variety of experience:
You gain diverse experience by working in different companies and sectors, which strengthens your skills and CV.

• Opportunities for permanent employment:
If you prove yourself, you may receive an offer for direct permanent employment from the company to which you are assigned.

Disadvantages:

• Relatively lower wages:
Wages are often lower compared to permanent staff in the user company.

• Lack of geographical stability:
The job may require you to move between different work sites, which can affect your personal life.

• Constantly changing work environment:
You need to adapt frequently to new teams and different company cultures.

Your rights as a worker employed through an agency

The German law Arbeitnehmerüberlassungsgesetz (AÜG) grants you several rights as a temporary agency worker:

• Written employment contract:
The contract must contain all important details such as the start date, tasks, salary, and working hours.

• Equal working conditions:
You are entitled to the same working conditions as permanent employees in the user company, including working hours and holiday entitlements.

• Maximum duration of assignment:
You may not work in the same user company for more than 18 consecutive months. After that, you may become a permanent employee of that company or decide to stay with the agency and be assigned elsewhere.

• Right to refuse certain tasks:
If you are asked to perform tasks that fall outside the scope of what was agreed in the contract, you have the right to refuse.

• Information in your language:
The agency must provide you with an information leaflet about your rights in a language you understand.

How are wages paid?

Minimum wage (update January 2024):

• General statutory minimum wage:
As of 1 January 2024, it amounts to 12.41 euros per hour.

• For temporary agency workers:
The minimum wage for workers employed through temporary agencies has risen to 13.00 euros per hour as of 1 April 2023.

Important points regarding wages

• Equal pay after 9 months:
If you work in the same company for more than 9 months, you are entitled to the same salary as permanent employees in comparable positions.

• Pay during periods without assignment:
Even if you are not currently assigned to a company, the agency is obliged to pay your salary.

• Overtime:
Overtime is often compensated with time off instead of additional cash payments.

• Travel costs:
The agency usually covers your travel costs between its office and the place of work, but travel time is generally not counted as official working time.

Sectors available for working through agencies

You can find opportunities in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Metal and electronics industries
• Security and guarding services
• Transport, logistics and warehousing
• Administration and office work
• Various other sectors, including jobs for unskilled workers

Tips to get the most out of the experience

• Read your contract carefully:
Make sure you understand all clauses and obligations.

• Define your geographical work area:
If you have preferences regarding location, discuss them with the agency in advance.

• Communicate regularly:
Maintain open communication with your agency about your expectations and career interests.

• Make use of training opportunities:
Many agencies offer training programmes to improve your skills—take advantage of them.

• Be flexible:
Your ability to adapt will make you more valuable to the agency and to the companies that hire you.

A deeper understanding of working through employment agencies

It is important to realise that the employment agency is your legal employer and is responsible for all administrative and legal matters. The user companies offer you the opportunity to work directly on site, which enriches your professional experience and helps you grow in your career.

The editorial team of our website strives to provide accurate information by conducting thorough research and consulting multiple sources when writing articles. However, errors may still occur or some information may be incomplete. Therefore, please consider the information in these articles as an initial reference only and always contact the competent authorities or qualified experts to obtain confirmed and up-to-date information.