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Emergency

Ill for a long time? Your employer must offer a BEM

Back to the job after a long illness, but how? For this there is company integration management (BEM). The employer has to offer it; for you it is voluntary, but often sensible.

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Your chances of getting your money back

If within a year you were unable to work for more than six weeks continuously or repeatedly, the employer must offer you a BEM (§ 167 SGB IX). The goal is to find ways together to overcome the incapacity for work and to keep your job.
Taking part is voluntary for you and only possible with your consent. Important: if the employer did not carry out a (proper) BEM, a later illness-related dismissal is much harder for them to push through.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the offer

    Has the employer offered you a BEM after a long or frequent illness?

  2. 2

    2. Decide on participation

    Participation is voluntary, but it can help you secure your job.

  3. 3

    3. Bring in support

    You can involve the works council, the representative body for severely disabled employees or a trusted person.

  4. 4

    4. Work out solutions

    Find measures together (for example workplace adjustment, gradual reintegration).

Frequently asked questions

Does my employer have to offer a BEM?

Yes. If within twelve months you were unable to work for more than six weeks at a stretch or repeatedly, the employer is obliged to offer you company integration management (§ 167 SGB IX). The goal is to overcome the incapacity for work and to keep your job.

Do I have to take part in the BEM?

No, participation is voluntary and requires your consent. However, it can be in your interest, because it looks for solutions that secure your job. In addition, an omitted or faulty BEM has consequences for the employer: a later illness-related dismissal is then harder to justify.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.