Germany's 2026 SBV Elections Under Way as Higher Ausgleichsabgabe Hits Employers Who Don't Meet 5% Disability Quota

Sammanfattning

Germany's regular elections for Schwerbehindertenvertretungen (SBV — disability representatives in the workplace) are running from 1 October to 30 November 2026, giving employees with severe disabilities a direct voice in workplace decisions on accommodations, assistive technology and protection against dismissal. The elections coincide with a pivotal year for disability employment: from 2026, the Ausgleichsabgabe (compensatory levy) for companies with 20+ employees that fail to meet the statutory 5% disability employment quota has been meaningfully raised, increasing financial pressure to hire. Around 10% of the German population lives with a recognised severe disability (GdB ≥ 50). Additionally, Germany's Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) — implementing the EU's European Accessibility Act — is now bringing concrete obligations for companies and service providers to provide barrier-free products and services. The EU Disability Card may also be voluntarily issued in Germany from 2026, with full mandatory participation by June 2028.