"South Hesse's Customs Inspection targets the construction sector - Nationwide Focus on Compliance in Building Industry"

The Financial Control Black Work (FKS) recently carried out a nationwide focus inspection on employment relationships in the construction industry. A total of 88 customs officers from Darmstadt, Hanau, and Wiesbaden participated in the inspection, questioning 180 people from 52 companies.

The inspections by the FKS are risk-oriented and can include random inspections and complete inspections of all employees of an employer. The aim is to ensure compliance with minimum wage, social security obligations, residence status of foreigners, and improper receipt of social benefits.

In the construction industry, branch-specific minimum wages apply in roofing, electrical, and scaffolding trades. In all other construction branches, the general statutory minimum wage of 12.82 euros gross per hour applies.

Indications of minimum wage violations were found in eight cases during the inspection. However, no specific companies have been publicly named or identified as suspected of violating minimum wage laws, social security contribution evasion, or illegal employment of foreigners. The reports mainly focus on technical violations and safety issues related to buses and trucks, but do not mention particular firms involved in labor law violations.

Improper employment of foreigners was found in two cases during the inspection. Punishment is imposed upon discovery of such agreements. It is important to note that every employee has a claim to this minimum wage, and agreements with the employer that fall below the minimum wage are invalid.

The customs office plays a decisive role in securing social systems and state revenues. The Main Customs Office Darmstadt can be contacted for inquiries at the following contact information: Rosa Judt, Telephone: 06151 9180-1006, Email: [email protected], Website: www.zoll.de.

The FKS ensures a particularly high number of inspections in the respective branch. In particularly affected branches, the FKS carries out nationwide and regional focus inspections with an increased deployment of personnel throughout the year. The investigations into these cases are still ongoing.

It is crucial for employers in the construction industry to ensure they are compliant with minimum wage laws and social security obligations to avoid any penalties and maintain a fair and legal working environment for their employees.