VerDi, Germany's main civil service union, is launching its first major national consultation on working time. This is in preparation for negotiations to renew collective bargaining agreements. The survey is expected to reveal employees' expectations regarding the organisation of and compensation for increasing amounts of overtime (whether freely-chosen or imposed).

New regulations have come in force for the autonomous community of Aragon: the government has raised the quota for people with disabilities from 5 to 8 per cent. It also decided to set aside the additional 3% for those who are often absent from recruitment: 2% for people with developmental disabilities and 1% for those with crippling mental illnesses.

An initial worklife quality agreement was signed between the insurance group and all of the trade unions. It includes several strong commitments, including training managers and social partners in how to prevent psychosocial risks, recognising the right to make mistakes, implementing collective and individual support and assistance measures, integrating co-development and a culture of feedback, and bolstering the right to disconnect.