Corona Virus

Since the beginning of the crisis, we have received a variety of questions in connection with current developments, e.g. on labour law, on infection control law, on state support services, on plant closures and other official orders, recourse claims, claims for damages and compensation, data protection law and insolvency law.

In the following, we have compiled information on the topics that have been in high demand.

18.03.2020. The coronavirus (COVID-19) disrupts supply chains across industries and countries. Starting from China – the “workbench of the world” – a domino effect has been set in motion that is causing the global economy to stagger. Although the flow of goods is still functioning reasonably well, the networked German economy is facing major risks.

Companies are primarily concerned about meeting their own delivery obligations to customers. There is a risk of damages in the event of delays in delivery. Many have also contractually committed themselves to paying lump-sum contractual penalties in the event of delivery delays. Many companies have in mind the horror scenario of a plant shutdown due to quarantine measures, illness or loss of mobility of employees.

No less dramatic, however, is the scenario of collapsing transport routes and logistics hubs, especially in the international air and sea freight sector. It is difficult for companies to assess the concrete dangers arising from these abstract risks – and their combination.

What is certain is that the pressure is growing in all parts of the supply chain. How (relatively) relaxed the individual company can be in the face of this pressure ultimately depends on the structure of the contractual service relationship with the customer.

Here we therefore explain in a brief overview: What should suppliers do now with regard to their customer contracts?

01.04.2020. Disturbed construction processes or building obstructions are a frequent topic of dispute in the construction industry. The contractually agreed execution time is very often exceeded not insignificantly. This leads to discussions about the causes and financial compensation for the consequences.

The causes can be an outstanding building permit, missing execution plans, but also shortages of personnel and materials, which delay the start of construction or impede ongoing construction operations. The consequences of the globally rampant corona pandemic can also have a negative impact on the construction process. It is true that the extensive restrictions on freedom (such as the current ban on contact) do not apply to construction sites. However, if construction workers become infected and have to go into quarantine, or if there are corona-related supply bottlenecks for the required building materials, this can result in construction disruptions.

Construction companies are regularly entitled to an extension of the contractually agreed construction period, but only if they notify the client of an obstruction by means of a notification that meets the legal requirements.

ZENK Corona Update VIII offers an overview: What must a qualified disability notification contain? 01.04.2020

04.03.2020. The corona virus is a challenge for companies in their role as employers. We have highlighted the multitude of questions that are currently arising in connection with the corona virus and its effects on labour law in several papers that are available for download.

ZENK Corona Update III Employment Contract – Who bears the risk of remuneration? 04.03.2020/20.04.2020

ZENK Corona Update II: Possibilities of action for companies 03.03.2020

ZENK Corona Update I: What employers need to know now 02.03.2020

04.03.2020. The corona virus is a challenge for companies in their role as employers. We have highlighted the multitude of questions that are currently arising in connection with the corona virus and its effects on labour law in several papers that are available for download.

ZENK Corona Update III Employment Contract – Who bears the risk of remuneration? 04.03.2020/20.04.2020

ZENK Corona Update II: Possibilities of action for companies 03.03.2020

ZENK Corona Update I: What employers need to know now 02.03.2020