Trial work: does it have to be paid?
Working 'on trial' before being hired? Whether you get money for it depends on what you actually do: just watching and getting to know things, or really pitching in.
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Clarify the pay →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Classify the activity
Did you only watch and get to know things, or did you do real work?
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2. Check integration
Were you bound by instructions and integrated into the operational workflow? Then much speaks for an employment relationship.
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3. Document the hours
Record what you worked and when.
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4. Demand pay
For real work performed, demand payment (at least the minimum wage) in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Does trial work have to be paid?
That depends on what you do. A pure getting-to-know-you without an obligation to work (taster day/familiarization arrangement) can be unpaid. But if you do real, instruction-bound work and are integrated into the operation, an employment relationship exists; then you are entitled to pay of at least the minimum wage. What matters is the actual activity.
Am I covered by accident insurance during trial work?
As a rule yes: even during a taster day or trial work there is often cover under the statutory accident insurance if you are integrated into the operation like an employed person. If an accident happens, you should report it to the operation and the employers' liability insurance association.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
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.