Overview
- Members of the Union parties have proposed a long-term rethink or eventual abolition of the Minijob model, pushing the issue into public discourse.
- Trade unions, including DGB Saxony, say low or missing contributions in such jobs weaken pension entitlements and result in very small pensions.
- Hospitality and retail leaders report they rely on Minijobbers to cover peak demand and caution that ending the model could force shorter opening hours or fewer services.
- Under current rules, standard Minijobs are capped at 556 euros per month, with an increase scheduled next year.
- A lesser-known short-term employment option allows higher gross pay without social contributions if limited to 3 months or 70 working days and not a main income, with tax handled via tax class or a 25% flat rate after an employer insurance-status check.