Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in Goslar

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Goslar, Germany

Founded in 2006
1 people in their team
English
Rechtsanwalt Uwe Bühring is a Goslar-based attorney who advises private clients and organizations in employment, tenancy, and condominium law. Admitted to practice in February 1994, he founded his own practice in July 2006 and holds specialist attorney titles in employment law and in tenancy and...
AS SEEN ON

About Employment & Labor Law in Goslar, Germany

Employment and labor law in Goslar follows federal German law with local practice shaped by Lower Saxony institutions and regional employers. Key rules that govern work relationships - such as hiring, wages, working time, leave, social insurance and termination - are set at the national level. Local employers, works councils and trade unions influence how those rules are applied in workplaces across the Goslar area. If you work in Goslar you are covered by German employment protections, social security systems and statutory rights - but practical steps to enforce those rights are often handled through local agencies, the regional labor court system and local legal advisers.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment disputes commonly involve tight deadlines, formal requirements and financial risk. People in Goslar often consult a lawyer when they face:

- A termination or redundancy - to check legality and to file a challenge.

- Disputes over wages, unpaid overtime or wrongfully withheld bonuses.

- Problems with fixed-term contracts, probation periods or unlawful extensions.

- Harassment, discrimination or violations under the General Equal Treatment Act - AGG.

- Disagreements about sick pay, long-term illness and transitions to Krankengeld.

- Negotiations over severance, settlement agreements or social plans during restructurings.

- Conflicts with a works council or employer over co-determination rights.

- Questions about parental leave, maternity protection and part-time return-to-work rights.

A lawyer with employment law experience can assess the strength of your case, explain deadlines and procedural steps, represent you before the labor court and negotiate settlements on your behalf.

Local Laws Overview

The most relevant legal frameworks for employment matters in Goslar are national statutes that are applied locally. Important areas to know include:

- Employment contracts - Contracts may be written or oral but written terms reduce ambiguity. Contract clauses on duties, pay, working hours, probation and fixed-term arrangements should be reviewed carefully.

- Termination protection - The Kündigungsschutzgesetz applies where conditions are met - for example after six months of service in many cases and in companies above a size threshold. Employers must follow statutory notice periods and justify dismissals on personal, conduct or operational grounds when the law applies.

- Notice periods - Statutory notice periods are governed by the Civil Code - BGB - and increase with duration of employment. Contracts may include longer notice periods but not shorter than statutory minimums for employer terminations in many cases.

- Probation and fixed-term contracts - Probation periods up to six months are common. Fixed-term contracts are allowed but the Part-Time and Fixed-Term Work Act regulates permissible reasons and total duration before a contract is considered permanent.

- Working time and breaks - The Working Hours Act - Arbeitszeitgesetz - limits daily and weekly working hours, mandates rest periods and sets rules for night and shift work. Special rules apply for young workers and certain sectors.

- Minimum wage and remuneration - The national minimum wage applies. Collective agreements - Tarifverträge - can set higher wages. Many industries in Lower Saxony are covered by sectoral collective agreements, which often apply through direct employer membership or via clauses in employment contracts.

- Holiday and sick pay - The Federal Holiday Act sets minimum paid leave. For short-term illness employees generally receive continued pay from the employer for up to six weeks - Entgeltfortzahlung - after which health insurance pays Krankengeld.

- Works councils and co-determination - Where a works council exists under the Works Constitution Act - Betriebsverfassungsgesetz - it has rights on workplace rules, hiring, terminations and restructuring. Employers must involve the works council in various decisions.

- Anti-discrimination - The General Equal Treatment Act - AGG - protects against discrimination in hiring and employment on grounds such as sex, age, religion, disability and ethnicity.

- Social security contributions and unemployment - Employees and employers contribute to statutory pension, health, nursing care and unemployment insurance. The local Agentur für Arbeit handles unemployment benefits and job placement.

Local authorities in Goslar, regional trade unions and employer associations often influence how these laws are applied in practice. For case-specific questions you should seek local legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a termination notice?

Act quickly. Check the date on the dismissal letter and note your last working day. You typically have a strict time limit to file a challenge at the labor court - so contact an employment lawyer or your union immediately. Keep records - the contract, payslips and any correspondence. Do not delay formal steps because statutory deadlines are short.

How long do I have to file a dismissal challenge?

The deadline for a dismissal challenge - a Kündigungsschutzklage - is short. You must file within three weeks from the day after you receive the dismissal notice. Missing that deadline usually means you lose the right to have the court review the termination. Consult a lawyer right away if you receive a dismissal.

Am I entitled to severance pay automatically?

No. There is no automatic statutory right to severance pay in most dismissals. Severance may be agreed in a settlement, provided under a social plan during collective redundancies, or appear in a contract or collective agreement. A lawyer can advise whether your circumstances make severance negotiable or likely.

What notice period applies to my employment?

Statutory notice periods are set out in the BGB and depend on length of service. Employers often must provide longer notice with longer employment. Employment contracts or collective agreements can set different rules, provided they respect statutory minimums when those apply. Check your contract and get legal advice if notices seem incorrect.

Can my employer change my working hours or pay?

Employers cannot unilaterally make significant changes unless the contract or a collective agreement allows it or there is a justified operational need with the correct procedure followed. Changes usually require agreement or notice under the contract. If your employer attempts improper changes, consult a lawyer or works council.

What rights do I have during sickness?

If you fall ill you must notify your employer promptly and provide a doctor’s certificate according to the employer’s rules - usually from the fourth day onward, but some employers require it earlier. Employees generally receive continued pay from the employer for up to six weeks - Entgeltfortzahlung. After that, statutory health insurance can pay Krankengeld. Long-term illness may require further legal and employment discussions.

How does maternity protection and parental leave work?

Pregnant employees receive protection against dismissal during pregnancy and for a period after childbirth, and special protections at work under the Maternity Protection Act - Mutterschutzgesetz. Parents have rights to parental leave and may be entitled to parental allowance. Employers must follow notification and return-to-work rules. Seek legal advice for timing and job protection questions.

What if I experience discrimination or harassment?

Discrimination and harassment are prohibited under the AGG and other laws. Keep records of incidents and notify your employer, works council or HR. You may have claims for remedies, damages and reinstatement. A lawyer or a union representative can help you evaluate steps and assert rights.

How are fixed-term contracts regulated?

Fixed-term contracts are allowed but regulated. Without objective reasons, repeatedly renewing fixed-term contracts over a long period can lead to a contract being treated as permanent. There are statutory limits on total duration and number of renewals unless specific reasons apply. Get advice if you face successive fixed-term contracts or wrongful non-renewal.

How can I find an employment lawyer in Goslar?

Look for lawyers who specialize in Arbeitsrecht - employment law. You can get recommendations from local unions, the regional chamber of lawyers, or colleagues. When you contact a lawyer, bring your contract, payslips, any dismissal letter, emails and other relevant documents so the lawyer can give a fast, informed initial assessment.

Additional Resources

Useful institutions and organizations to consult when you need employment and labor guidance in Goslar include -

- The local Agentur für Arbeit - for unemployment benefits, registration and placement services.

- Trade unions active in the region - such as IG Metall, ver.di and other industry unions - for representation and advice.

- The German Trade Union Confederation - DGB - for broader worker rights information.

- The local works council if your workplace has one - for internal representation and co-determination issues.

- The Niedersächsisches Ministerium responsible for social affairs and labor policy - for regional policy and regulatory information.

- Berufsgenossenschaft and occupational safety authorities - for workplace safety and accident matters.

- Local legal aid organizations and the regional bar association - for guidance on finding a qualified employment lawyer or assessing entitlement to legal aid.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with an employment matter in Goslar follow these practical steps -

- Collect and organize documents - employment contract, payslips, time records, emails, warnings and any dismissal letter.

- Note critical dates - the date you received notice, the last working day and any deadlines such as the three-week limit for dismissal challenges.

- Seek initial advice - call a local employment lawyer or your trade union for a case assessment. Many lawyers offer an initial consultation and can explain likely outcomes.

- Consider immediate protective steps - for example, filing a dismissal challenge within the statutory period if needed, or asking the lawyer to send a protective letter to preserve rights.

- Use internal remedies - raise concerns with HR or the works council where appropriate, while keeping copies of all communication.

- Explore alternatives - negotiation, mediation or settlement can be faster than court in many cases. Your lawyer can help evaluate settlement offers and negotiate severance or improved terms.

Employment law matters often have tight time limits and procedural rules. Early action and good documentation improve your chances of a favorable outcome. If you are unsure where to start, contact a qualified employment lawyer in your area or your union representative for guidance tailored to your situation.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Goslar through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Employment & Labor, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Goslar, Germany - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.