ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

The Elena database introduced in Germany at the beginning of this year - where employers must submit information about their employees on a monthly basis by law - has proved to be an administrative burden.

Although the system was designed to reduce bureaucracy, small and medium size businesses in particular are finding it "intrusive and unworkable". Moreover 22,000 German citizens have signed a submission to the federal constitutional court complaining the system infringes their right to privacy because it contains data about absenteeism, health, disciplinary warnings and participation in strike activity.

Such widespread opposition has led the Justice Ministry to announce it will be reviewing Elena's operation and reducing the regular input requirements.