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What's new in April 2023 These six changes are coming to consumers

2023-03-25T16:53:35.580Z


Also in April some changes are pending. From the shutdown of the nuclear power plants to the advance sale of the 49-euro ticket to changes in Microsoft products.


Also in April some changes are pending.

From the shutdown of the nuclear power plants to the advance sale of the 49-euro ticket to changes in Microsoft products.

Every month there are changes that are important for consumers.

Among other things, the long-awaited sale of the 49-euro ticket, which is the successor to the successful 9-euro ticket, is scheduled for April.

In addition, many employees can look forward to more money.

What exactly is changing in April:

49-euro ticket: Long-awaited advance sales start on April 3rd

After lengthy discussions, it is now certain: the successor model to the 9-euro ticket will be available from May 1st.

The 49-euro ticket will be available online and at all public ticket sales points from April 3rd.

The ticket is valid throughout Germany from May and can be used by all local and regional transport companies.

However, express trains such as the ICE, IC or EC cannot be used with the all-rounder.

For bus and train drivers, especially commuters, this ticket should be a great financial relief, since most monthly tickets are significantly more expensive.

The offer could lead to more people using public transport.

"Should that be the case, you still have to ensure that traffic is expanded over time," said Oliver Krischer, Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, in the ZDF interview.

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It has been long awaited: From April 3rd you can buy the 49-euro ticket.

© Christoph Hardt/Imago Images

From mid-April: Planned shutdown of nuclear power plants

At the end of last year, the operating times of the Emsland, Isar 2 and Neckarwestheim 2 nuclear power plants were extended.

The reason for this was the energy crisis triggered by the Ukraine war.

The electricity generated in the nuclear power plants was to be used to maintain the power supply over the winter.

But from mid-April Germany is now supposed to become nuclear-free.

The shutdown of the last active nuclear power plants is planned for April 15th.

According to Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, the nuclear phase-out will be final in April.

Nevertheless, BUND.net says that the "dismantling of nuclear power plants in Germany alone will keep us busy at least until the 2060s."

Corona protection regulations: is the end in sight?

A number of Corona regulations were already lifted on March 1st.

The other Corona Protection Ordinances that have been valid nationwide only apply until April 7th.

Nevertheless, until then there are still protective measures such as wearing FFP2 masks in health facilities such as doctor's offices, hospitals or care facilities.

It is not yet known whether further innovations and changes will be made by the federal government after April 7th.

But because of the good development of the corona numbers and courses, many measures have already been abolished.

There is hope that things will gradually return to normal.

April 2023 brings wage increases: who is affected?

The minimum wage for the painting and varnishing industry will increase from April.

This is currently 12 euros per hour and is increased to 14.50 euros for journeymen.

Helpers also receive a minimum wage increase, which rises to 12.50 euros.

In addition, temporary workers can look forward to a wage increase that puts the minimum wage at 13 euros per hour.

Wages for employees in the main construction trades will also rise by two percent in the west and to 2.7 percent in the east.

Apprentices in the construction industry can also look forward to it.

In western Germany, they receive 15 euros more in the first year of training, and trainees from eastern Germany receive 25 euros more.

More net with the same gross salary from April

Employees and civil servants can look forward to this change: From April 1, 2023 there will be more net - with the same gross salary, due to changed processes for wage tax deduction.

Employers then have to take into account higher tax allowances for employees.

The employee lump sum is set at 1,230 euros and the relief amount for single parents at 4,260 euros.

Microsoft products are getting more expensive

Microsoft's cloud products are set to become almost eleven percent more expensive from April.

The reason for this is the global harmonization of pricing.

Among other things, Microsoft 365, Office 365 and Dynamics 365 as well as Microsoft Defender and Teams will be affected by the price increase.

However, this should not be the last.

From now on, Microsoft would carry out price increases of this kind every six months.

List of rubrics: © Christoph Hardt/Imago Images

Source: merkur

All life articles on 2023-03-25

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