The year 2024 will also bring some important legislative changes that are particularly relevant for companies. In addition to the obligation to operate a whistleblowing system, changes in supply chain diligence and product safety must also be taken into account. The new Working Hours Act has not yet been finalized, but a new Employee Data Protection Act has been announced. In addition, the new company form of the “eGbR” will find its way into business life.
Whistleblower Protection Act / Whistleblower
Since mid-December 2023, companies with 50 or more employees have been obliged to set up a whistleblower system that whistleblowers can use to report irregularities in the company. This obligation should be complied with immediately in order to avoid liability problems and fines
The easiest way to fulfill this obligation is probably through a digital reporting channel. We are happy to support you, for example, with our entry-level solution for just €50 per month. Contact us at any time by telephone or e-mail. You can also find further information in our December newsletter.
Supply Chain Due Diligence Act
From January 1, 2024, companies with 1,000 or more employees must uphold key human and environmental rights along the entire value chain. The Supply Chain Due Diligence Act defines the details for this.
Product Safety Regulation
From December 13, 2024, the safety of products will be monitored more strictly. Product safety must be documented by means of a technical risk assessment and this must be made available to the supervisory authorities. Consumers must also be able to be informed in the event of a product recall.
Working time recording
The uncertainties surrounding time recording as a result of the ruling by the Federal Labor Court (BAG) on September 13, 2022 will remain for the time being in the new year. In the absence of a statutory regulation, it is currently only clear that working time must already be recorded as part of the extended documentation obligation. The details will be determined by the legislator.
Employee Data Protection Act
A new Employee Data Protection Act is intended to provide legal clarity for employees and effectively protect their personal rights. Details on implementation within the narrow limits of the General Data Protection Regulation have not yet been clarified.
Changes to the civil law partnership (GbR)
The Act on the Modernization of Partnership Law (MoPeG) introduces, among other things, the new external GbR with legal capacity, which is entered in a separate register. The company name is also new: the “eGbR” (registered civil law partnership) will be more common in business life in future.
Conclusion
The Schneiders & Behrendt team wishes you a successful new year. We look forward to continuing our good cooperation and are available to answer your questions at any time.
