Job-to-job trial: Testing a new employer without quitting
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
Anyone looking to change employers today has to commit before really knowing the new position: first the resignation or the acceptance, and only then does it become clear whether the move works out. The German Federal Cabinet has now approved a draft bill designed to defuse this risk. Employees are to be allowed to trial a new employer for several weeks while their existing employment relationship continues.
1. The instrument: A four-week trial
The draft bill on the “Modernisation and Digitalisation of Employment Promotion” (an amendment to Book III of the German Social Code, SGB III) introduces the so-called job-to-job trial (“Job-to-Job-Erprobung”), officially termed “measures to trial an employment perspective” (“Maßnahmen zur Erprobung einer Beschäftigungsperspektive”).
The core of it: Employees work on a trial basis with a potential new employer for up to four weeks, exceptionally six. The existing contract remains in place during this period. So nobody has to resign to find out whether the new position is a fit.
2. The use case: Moving out of a crisis-hit industry
The instrument is aimed primarily at industries that are cutting jobs. The Federal Ministry of Labour describes as an example a mechatronics technician in open-cast lignite mining whose position is expected to disappear: In agreement with her employer, she arranges four trial weeks with a solar and wind power company, accompanied by the employment agency. Both sides get to know each other, and any training needs become visible before a contract is signed.
What stands out in this example: The route runs through an agreement with the current employer. Against the employer’s will, the trial is unlikely to take place.
3. The open points: Pay, leave, status
The cabinet decision leaves the practically most important questions open: Who pays the remuneration during the trial weeks? What applies in the event of illness or annual leave? And what is the legal status of someone temporarily working for two employers?
These details will only be settled in the further legislative process.
4. The timeline: A law by the end of November
The Federal Government intends to complete the legislative process by the end of November. The package also makes the employment administration more digital: applications are to be filed digitally as a rule, and the agencies are to become reachable by video.
Considering a move, but not ready to give up your current contract?
If you are considering a move, or if you are an employer looking to offer trial placements, I offer you a brief, free-of-charge initial assessment. In this conversation, we will clarify how your situation is to be assessed and which next steps make sense.
