August 2022 will bring some changes for workers and consumers. In addition, new laws and regulations will come into force. Among other things, pensions and the minimum wage are increasing. Citizen Corona tests will again cost three euros from July 1, 2022.
From 1 August 2022: This will change for employees and consumers
Like almost every month, July 2022 brings several important changes for workers and consumers. In addition, some new laws will come into force. For example, with the new testing regulation, free tests for citizens with the coronavirus will no longer apply.
Pensions and the minimum wage are also rising. In the future, consumers will be able to return old electronic devices to supermarkets free of charge under certain conditions. The right to terminate contracts is also easier.
1. Employment contracts must contain more information in the future
August 1, 2022 again EU directives for valid “transparent and reliable working conditions”. It is intended to strengthen the rights of employees and defines which information and documentation obligations employers must comply with.
From 1 August 2022 at the latest, employers must provide new employees with basic contractual terms and conditions in writing before starting work. New employment contracts must therefore contain significantly more information in the future.
However, the instruction for “transparent and reliable working conditions” applies only to newly concluded employment contracts, not to existing ones. From August, employees will have the following rights, among others:
- detailed information about the employment relationship
- Length of probationary period and commencement of employment
- Possibility of multiple jobs
- Schedulability of work with unpredictable work schedules
- overtime regulations
- Working hours, agreed breaks and rest periods and, in the case of agreed shifts, the shift system
- Any entitlement to free training
2. The €9 ticket expires at the end of August 2022
The so-called 9-euro ticket goes to the last round. In August, citizens have the last chance to use the local and regional transport of Deutsche Bahn and other transport companies for a monthly price of new euros. At the end of the month, the 9-euro ticket expires after a total of three months.
A number of citizens demand the extension of the ticket. Whether there will be a subsequent offer is currently up in the air. Federal and state governments are currently discussing and negotiating alternatives.
Proposals such as an annual ticket for 365 euros or a monthly ticket for 69 euros have already been dropped. Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing expects a decision in late 2022 or early 2023 at the earliest.
3. GmbH and UG can be registered online from August
This will happen on August 1, 2022 Act implementing the Digitization Directive (DiRUG) in effect. The goal is to standardize data transmissions in the European Economic Area, make them more efficient and expand them.
Thus, limited liability companies (UG) and GmbH can be established online, for example, in the future. A personal appearance at the notary is no longer absolutely necessary, an online meeting will suffice. Online proceedings are an additional option to classic face-to-face proceedings at a notary.
Founders can also choose mixed registration procedures: For example, a partner can arrange a personal meeting with a notary on-site, while others join online.
4. Amazon blocks old Kindle models
As of August 17, Kindle users with older devices will no longer be able to download e-books. This applies, among other things, to children of the fourth and fifth generation. The device can still be used, but Kindle users with older models will have to download and play e-books through a browser in the future.
5. The new law promises cheaper medicines
From August 16, patients who are prescribed biopharmaceuticals should be able to get cheaper and at least equally effective drugs in pharmacies. This regulates the new Law for greater security of drug supply.
The legislator hopes to save on drug costs. Because as soon as the patent right for some drugs expires, cheaper alternatives in the form of so-called biosimilars will come on the market. They are sometimes as effective as classic biopharmaceuticals.
These include biotechnologically manufactured medicines that are made using organisms such as bacteria, for example medicines for Crohn’s disease, arthritis or cancer.
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