Dialogue with Government and regular surveys on the effects of the Corona pandemic on skilled trades enterprises

Holger SCHWANNECKE
German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH)

The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts is in constant dialogue with the German federal government and conducts regular surveys, together with chambers of crafts and trade associations, on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on craft businesses

Since 23 March 2020, the  German Confederation of Skilled Crafts has conducted regular surveys, together with chambers of crafts and trade associations, on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on craft businesses  Altogether, five such surveys have been carried out since that date, involving between 2°270 and 4°895 businesses, the last of them between 18 and 23 June.

The spread of the virus has led to a massive drop in economic activity. Craft businesses have been, and continue to be, badly hit, with serious repercussions for liquidity, employment and the size of the sector.

The confederation is engaged in an ongoing dialogue with the German federal government and is instrumental in tailoring the design of support measures for the German economy to the specific needs of businesses. This particularly concerns liquidity support through grants and loans and the deferral of fees and charges, as well as "short-time allowances", the stabilisation of vocational training in enterprises and long-term recovery measures.

The confederation also has a page on its website with coronavirus FAQ for craft businesses. It brings together questions and information on how to support craft enterprises and organisations, for example on matters such as implementing crisis measures and applying for support.

There is also a network of business advisers that provides advice and assistance to local businesses in the crafts chambers, whether on issues relating to the coronavirus crisis or on starting and scaling up businesses.