Severe Labour Exploitation in Germany: The Perspective of Support Structures and Institutional Mechanisms

Abstract

This paper examines severe labour exploitation in Germany from the perspective of support structures, thereby addressing an empirical viewpoint that has so far received limited attention. Drawing on a survey of specialised counselling centres as well as labour market– and trade union–based advisory services, the analysis explores how labour exploitation is perceived, addressed and managed within the support system. The findings indicate that severe labour exploitation is not adequately captured as an isolated legal violation but rather emerges from the interaction of institutional, legal and labour market–related factors. In particular, deficits in the enforcement of labour and social rights, restricted access to subsistence benefits, selective legal enforcement and structural dependencies affecting migrant workers become apparent. Building on these findings, the paper identifies key mechanisms that enable and stabilise exploitative employment relationships. These mechanisms are situated within debates in labour market and inequality research, and the paper concludes by discussing implications for social policy and future research.