Germany: Retailer provokes row over temporary agency work

Schlecker, a German health and beauty retail chain, has provoked controversy over its re-employment of dismissed workers through a temporary work agency, and the case may lead to legislation to "plug legal loopholes", according to the minister of labour, Ursula von der Leyen.

Schlecker operates in 12 countries in Europe, with a total workforce of some 50,000, and claims a 76% share of the German health and beauty market.