June's Got Some Shake-Ups for Consumers!
Drastic shifts expected in June
Get ready, because June is bringing a slew of changes to your everyday consumer life! Here's what you need to know:
Maternity Leave for Miscarriage
Hey, ladies! If you've suffered a miscarriage, starting from June 1, you can take a breath and rest a lil' more. The new policy grants women:
- 2 weeks of maternity leave after the 13th week of pregnancy if the miscarriage occurs
- 6 weeks if it happens after the 17th week
- 8 weeks if it happens after the 20th week
No need to fight for a sick note anymore.
Faster Switch for Electricity Providers
Ever hated waiting for ages to switch electricity providers? Well, the new EU directive taking effect from June 6 will change that. You'll be able to make the switch within a day on weekdays instead of the original 3 weeks.
Longer Battery Life for Smartphones and Tablets
Smartphone and tablet manufacturers, take note! As of June 20, these gadgets will have to meet stricter EU battery standards. They must still retain 80% battery capacity after 800 charge cycles, and manufacturers will also have to provide replacement parts for 7 years and update operating systems for 5 years to keep those gadgets alive.
Increased Costs for Lawyers and Expert Reports
Legal disputes in Germany are about to get a little more expensive starting June 1. Legal fees, expert costs, interpreter fees, and court costs are all set to rise by as much as 9%.
More Accessibility on the Internet
Online retailers, it's time to make your apps and websites more friendly for people with disabilities. Starting from June 28, you'll need to ensure text alternatives for images, subtitles, sufficient font sizes, and barrier-free services for bank services and transport ticket portals. Small companies with fewer than 10 employees are exempt.
First National Veterans' Day in Germany
On June 15, honoring our veterans will become even more significant with the first national Veterans' Day taking place in Germany. The central event will take place in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin.
Gas Appliances in Motorhomes and Caravans Must Be Inspected
Are you the proud owner of a motorhome or caravan with a gas appliance? You'll need to have it inspected by a specialist by June 19 at the latest. After that, the inspection must be renewed every two years to ensure safety when camping.
- In the realm of science and technology, June marks a step towards improved accessibility online, with online retailers required to make their apps and websites more friendly for people with disabilities from June 28.
- For women's health, there's a new policy granting women maternity leave after a miscarriage, with varying lengths of leave depending on when the miscarriage occurs.
- In the health-and-wellness sector, men and women will experience a boost in their smartphone and tablet battery life, as manufacturers meet stricter EU battery standards from June 20.
- In finance, legal disputes in Germany are getting more expensive starting June 1, with legal fees, expert costs, interpreter fees, and court costs all set to rise by as much as 9%.
- For home-and-garden enthusiasts, motorhome and caravan owners with gas appliances will need to have them inspected by a specialist by June 19 at the latest, with renewal every two years thereafter.
- In travel, June 15 marks the inaugural national Veterans' Day in Germany, with a central event taking place in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin.
- 'General-news' readers can look forward to more shake-ups in consumer life, as the new policy in Germany allows for a faster switch for electricity providers, effective from June 6.
- Lastly, the sports enthusiasts can stay updated with the weather, as the need to check the weather reports becomes even more crucial when making plans for camping trips.
- Education-and-self-development seekers can find solace in the option to learn about the diversity of topics mentioned above, from science to lifestyle, through various resources and platforms.
