Tedious and pointless paperwork dominates the daily operations of many businesses. Instead of productive work, administrative burdens are increasing. This hits the skilled trades particularly hard, as small businesses are prevalent. As a result, orders are delayed, deadlines are postponed, and costs rise along the supply chain. Although the government constantly promises to reduce bureaucracy, this has little impact on the day-to-day operations of businesses. (bild: 12.01.26)
Paperwork is taking a toll on skilled tradespeople
Jörg Dittrich describes a reality familiar to many business owners. What matters is not the announcement from Berlin, but its impact on businesses. Therefore, he demands immediate relief. Without concrete steps, skilled tradespeople will continue to lose time and money. The wider economy is also feeling the effects of this gridlock, as orders are being processed more slowly.
Many regulations require documentation without practical benefit. Businesses must confirm in writing that no mistakes were made. Dittrich aptly puts it this way: you have to sign a statement confirming you weren’t speeding when you get out of your car. Such obligations increase paperwork, even though they are meant to replace trust.
Bureaucracy Without Added Value
Numerous examples illustrate the regulatory apparatus. Every ladder requires an inspection report. Complete documentation is mandatory for hazardous waste. Even refrigeration temperatures must be constantly recorded. This bureaucracy ties up personnel that are then lacking in the trades. At the same time, the economy suffers because productivity declines.
Contradictory regulations seem particularly absurd. Hygiene standards require smooth floors in butcher shops. Occupational safety regulations demand rough surfaces to prevent slipping. This puts businesses in conflict with the regulations. Instead of legal certainty, it creates uncertainty.
The Receipt Obligation as a Symbol of the Problem
The receipt obligation remains a central issue. Millions of receipts end up in the trash every year. Small businesses bear the cost. While politicians promise to abolish the regulations, for tradespeople, only enforcement matters. As long as nothing happens, the paperwork continues to grow. Businesses also don’t benefit from announcements without action.
Dittrich is also calling for a temporary suspension of new regulations. A “stop the clock” is intended to give businesses some breathing room. Laws could be reviewed during this period. Without such breaks, bureaucracy will only exacerbate the situation.
Regulations distort competition
Another example concerns bakeries. The Sunday baking ban only allows three hours of production. At the same time, gas stations and in-store bakeries sell without restrictions. These regulations distort competition. Traditional trades are losing customers, even though they deliver regional quality. Here, too, the economy suffers from unfair conditions.
In addition, there are extensive information requirements. Businesses must declare that there is no right of withdrawal. This creates additional forms. However, withdrawals remain rare. Nevertheless, the paperwork increases again, without customers being better protected.
Crafts need less bureaucracy
A comparison from everyday life illustrates the significant impact of administrative burdens. Adjusting a knee brace takes 22 minutes. Documentation takes 31 minutes. This discrepancy frustrates businesses. Therefore, Dittrich calls for less paperwork and more digital solutions. Only then can craftspeople gain time for their customers.
In the long run, relief from red tape determines competitiveness. Less bureaucracy strengthens businesses. Clearer regulations create security. The economy benefits from faster value creation. Without reforms, stagnation persists.
Economic damage from stagnation
Paperwork stifles innovation. The regulatory apparatus blocks motivation. Craftspeople lose skilled workers to the administration. The economy pays the price. Therefore, swift, measurable steps are needed so that reforms become a reality and are not just repeatedly announced.