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Corona self-test: "SMEs must and will fight against this"
Photo: Sven Hoppe / dpa
The German middle class wants to sue against the obligation decided by the cabinet to offer corona tests.
»The middle class must and will fight against this.
As an association, we are currently preparing the necessary legal steps for this, «said Markus Jerger, Federal Managing Director of the Federal Association of Medium-Sized Enterprises (BVMW) to the newspapers of the Funke media group.
"Compulsory testing for companies is a lesson in policy failure." He accused the federal government of having failed across the board in testing and vaccination logistics.
The federal cabinet had previously decided to make an obligation for companies to provide a range of corona tests.
"This rule applies to all employees who cannot work permanently in the home office," said Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD).
That part of the economy that should remain open must now make a mandatory contribution to infection protection.
"I consider that to be a responsibility," said Heil.
The regulation will come into force next week.
The requirement to work from home for suitable work will also be extended until the end of June.
Rapid tests, PCR tests and self-tests can be used.
Companies could also work with service providers - for example with the pharmacy around the corner.
The plan is for companies to offer their employees a test offer once a week.
Two tests per week should be available to employees who are particularly at risk.
This applies to areas with a lot of customer contact or body-hugging services.
Employees who are housed in shared accommodation by the employer must also receive a test offer twice a week.
There is no compulsory test for employees.
"Another declaration of no confidence in the company"
Business associations had harshly criticized the decision.
The obligation is a further declaration of no confidence in the companies and their employees in this country, said employer president Rainer Dulger.
The President of the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Hildegard Müller, told the German Press Agency: "Instead of bureaucratic requirements, we now urgently need help with the procurement of sufficient tests, which is particularly difficult for small and medium-sized companies." Inadequate availability of certified tests is a problem for German Mittelstands-Bunds.
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.
Health and safety is an entrepreneurial task, says Heil.
According to a survey by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), around a third of companies have tests ready for their employees.
30 percent of the companies were aiming for this, especially in the next four weeks, announced the IAB.
From the end of March to the beginning of April, it surveyed almost 2,000 companies.
hej / dpa
