Bye Lone Fighter

What should painters pay attention to if the small business is to grow and hire the first employee. A guide in four easy steps.

Volker Helmhagen I Photo: Clipdealer

It is a milestone for many self-employed people: hiring the first employee. But what do the self-employed have to consider when hiring a new employee if the work can no longer be done alone?

Step 1: get information

With the help of the personnel questionnaire, companies ask for the necessary information, such as the social security number and the tax identification number. When starting work, new employees should present their membership certificate from the health insurance company, their social security card and a holiday certificate as well as a confirmation of termination from the previous employer. For employees who come from abroad it is important: The, work permit. Other documents may also be required, for example the forklift certificate.

Step 2: fulfill reporting requirements

As soon as the first employee is hired, the employer registers his company with the Federal Employment Agency. This assigns a company number with which he can then register the employee with the social security system. For this purpose, the employer informs the employee's health insurance company about the employment, which in turn passes this information on to the Federal Employment Agency, the German pension insurance and the long-term care insurance funds. In the construction industry there is an obligation to report immediately, i.e. at the latest on the first working day. In addition, the employee must be registered for income tax and statutory accident insurance. Contact points are the tax office or the responsible professional association. Failure to comply with the reporting requirements can result in high fines. In the painting and varnishing trade, registration with the respective holiday and wage compensation office is also required.

Step 3: take responsibility

Employers have a duty of care towards their employees. For this reason, employers must also comply with the workplace regulations, which contain, for example, specifications for temperature and lighting at the workplace. Employer duties also include training employees in the areas of health and safety at work.

Step 4: adjust insurance

Entrepreneurs should review their insurance portfolio. For some contracts, the number of employees affects the scope of insurance and the amount of the premium. A business liability insurance that protects against high claims for damages is indispensable. Comprehensive protection for the company's inventory should not be missing. For example, Nürnberger Versicherung offers its Smart business insurance especially for small businesses - business liability insurance and business content insurance in one contract. Optionally, this protection can be supplemented by the components of low yield loss, natural hazards, glass, environmental damage to your own floor and private liability.

Further information: www.nuernberger.de/gewerbeversicherung-smart