Corona test obligation in companies: SME Association sees "lesson for policy failure" - billions in costs

The compulsory test for companies causes great resentment in the economy.

The regulations are unclear and cost billions, warns the head of the medium-sized business association BVMW, Markus Jerger.

Munich - The Federal Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (BVMW) has attacked the federal government sharply because of the planned test obligation for companies.

The project is "a lesson in policy failure," said BVMW Federal Managing Director Markus Jerger on Tuesday to

.

In view of the planned measures, Jerger also announced resistance.

The middle class "must and will fight back," he said.

Therefore, as an association, one is preparing "the necessary legal steps."

Mittelstandsverband: Politicians have to pay for the costs of compulsory testing

The compulsory corona test and the corresponding administrative costs resulted in costs of "a good seven billion euros per month for the companies," warned Jerger.

The state must absorb these burdens.

“There is an old rule: whoever orders, pays.

That must also apply to politics - 100 percent, ”said the BVMW managing director.

At the same time, Jerger accused the federal government of technical defects in the implementation of the planned test obligation.

For example, the subject of data protection has not been clarified.

It is also unclear from how many customer contacts employees are entitled to two tests per week.

“Does this apply to five or 50 customers a day?” Asked Jerger.

In addition, the representative of the association expressed doubts about the sufficient availability of test kits.

"We're talking about 400 million test sets for two months."

Test obligation: Business sees a vote of no confidence in companies

Jerger is not alone in criticizing mandatory testing.

Employer President Rainer Dulger said the regulation was a “further declaration of no confidence in the company and its employees”.

The President of the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Hildegard Müller, was also critical: "Instead of bureaucratic requirements, we now urgently need help in obtaining sufficient tests, which is difficult for small and medium-sized companies in particular."

Test obligation: costs are eligible

The employers bear the costs of the tests.

In principle, however, companies can claim the costs for rapid tests within the scope of bridging aid III if they meet the requirements for this.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in addition to disinfectants and protective masks, rapid tests and the training of employees on hygiene measures are also eligible for funding.

The federal government expects costs per employee of 130 euros by the end of June.