Termination
"Just sign here…"
You are presented with a termination agreement to end the training relationship.
§ 22 BBiG
The boss may NOT do that
STOP — never sign on the spot!
A termination agreement ends your training relationship by mutual consent. BUT: you are not obliged to sign! Warning: a termination agreement can lead to a blocking period at the employment agency (up to 12 weeks with no unemployment benefit). You lose your protection against dismissal. Always get advice first!
What the law says
§ 22 BBiG – Termination
After the probationary period, the training relationship can only be terminated for good cause. Alternatively, it can be ended by mutual consent through a termination agreement — but this requires the trainee's consent.
§ 159 SGB III – Blocking period
If the employee has caused their own unemployment through their own conduct (e.g. a termination agreement), a blocking period of up to 12 weeks for unemployment benefit may be imposed.
What you can do
- NEVER sign on the spot — take time to consider (at least 3 days).
- Have the agreement checked by an expert (union, IHK, lawyer).
- A termination agreement can trigger a blocking period for unemployment benefit!
- Ask yourself: do I want this? You do not have to sign if you want to stay.
- If you are a minor: your legal guardians must consent.
Email template for your trainer
Subject: Time to consider the termination agreement
Dear [name of trainer],
thank you for the conversation on [date]. I have taken note of the proposed termination agreement.
Before I can make such a decision, I need sufficient time to consider it and would like to have the agreement reviewed by an independent body.
I ask for your understanding that I will not sign the agreement immediately. I will get back to you with my response by [date + 1–2 weeks] at the latest.
Kind regards
[Your name]
More cases: Termination
- One more time and you're out!
- You're getting a warning!
- A reference? You don't need that!
- During the probationary period you can be sacked any time.
- Late once → dismissal without notice!
- Sue if you like, you don't stand a chance.
- Passed? Keep working for now, the contract will come later.
- After the training you stay with us for two years — it's in the contract.
- You want to quit? It's not that easy.
- You're fired. — via WhatsApp
- Being kept on? You have no right to that.
- You're ill too often — we have to part ways.
- Pregnant during your training — that doesn't work here.
- The company is bankrupt — what happens to you?
- We're extending your probation by three months.