Mindestlohn in der Pflege

The sector-specific minimum wage in the care sector aims, together with different social regulations, at achieving an improved level of wages in the care sector. Concerning the normative situation, the author examines if the legislative objective of reducing low wages in the care sector is achieved. Therefore, particular attention is paid to the scope of application of the minimum wage in the care sector, which ties up to the existence of a care enterprise and the status of caregivers as employees. Also, the compatibility of the minimum wage in the care sector with the higher-ranking law is demonstrated.
As a result of the required broad interpretation of the scope of application many caregivers who are installed in domiciliary care while the dependent person receives care allowance, are covered. Thus, the risk of a downward wage spiral can be counteracted effectively within this branch affected by labour shortages.