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News and statistics from BIV
22nd of September 2025 Article by Katja Scholz
From Germany, Katja Scholz with latest figures from the country’s contract cleaning association.
A modern service trade, an important economic driver with a turnover of €27.55 billion and an employer of 658,325 employees – these key facts emerge from a brief look at the 2025 sector report of the Federal Association of Contract Cleaners (BIV), Germany’s largest trade employer.
The dynamic growth of Germany’s largest trade employer has continued during recent years. The proportion of employment subject to social security contributions in the skilled trade sector as a whole has now risen sharply to 70.9 per cent, and almost 30 per cent of all the extra jobs subject to social security contributions which have been created are in the contract cleaning sector. This is due to the strong collective agreement which has ensured more permanent jobs and a quarter fewer ‘minijobs’ (not subject to compulsory social insurance) during the last 10 years.
Above legal minimum
All professional contract cleaners earn the same entry-level wages throughout the whole of Germany - these are in fact universally binding sector minimum wages which are above the legal minimum wage. This year the sector entry-level minimum wage is €14.25, rising to €15 in 2026. Labour costs are a significant factor, accounting on average for 85 per cent of overall costs in the sector.
Cleaning is leading the way in relation to integration in the labour market.
The sector report shows 47.4 per cent of workers do not have a German passport and almost 58 per cent of them have either no vocational qualification or an unknown one. The sector is a strong advocate for cultural diversity and tolerance and offers people of all ages entry-level and career opportunities regardless of background, level of education, previous experience or school-leaving qualifications.
The report also raises the subject of daytime cleaning which since Covid has again assumed growing significance as a focus of discussion. Offices and schools in particular have for some years now been increasingly cleaned during office hours. Cleaning intervals have been extended especially in sensitive areas, clinics, intensive care units and care homes. Education authorities and commercial companies have requested additional cleaning and disinfection shifts during the working day.
The report also highlights the fact daytime cleaning can provide not only an opportunity for greater hygiene but also a boost for recruitment: continuous, family-friendly working hours, greater visibility and increased appreciation – all these things are viewed as significant benefits
Third term for Dietrich
And one more item of news from BIV: federal guild master Thomas Dietrich is entering his third term of office, having been re-elected by the 115 delegates to the members’ assembly of BIV held in Cologne in June. The term of office is five years. Dietrich has been federal guild master since 2015, and a governing board member of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts and Board member of the German Skilled Crafts trade association.
“The pandemic, the economic downturn resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the rift within the Federal Government – the past five years have been more challenging than ever before,“ he said. “They have made great demands on the BIV but have also bound it more tightly together and proved what it can do for our member companies. I am delighted to be able to support our skilled trade in the next five years in all the challenges which may lie ahead and would like to thank you for your renewed confidence in me.” Tanja Cujic was elected as deputy federal guild lady master.
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