Type
Bankruptcy
Country
Germany
Region
Location of affected unit(s)
Gummersbach, Waldbröl
Sector
Health / Social work
88 - Social work activities without accommodation
88.9 - Other social work activities without accommodation
88.9 - Other social work activities without accommodation

500 jobs
Number of planned job losses
Job loss
Announcement Date
6 February 2026
Employment effect (start)
6 February 2026
Foreseen end date
31 December 2026

Description

According to the trade union Verdi, the social service provider IB West is expected to cut 500 jobs in North Rhine-Westphalia over the course of 2026. Major locations include Gummersbach with 92 employees and Waldbröl with 211 employees.

Since November 2025, the organization has been undergoing protective shield insolvency proceedings. According to Verdi, compulsory redundancies are likely. The handover of facilities and social services to other providers to mitigate job loss is being discussed, possibly including employees.

The union is calling for transparency in the process, genuine participation, and a thorough review of the causes that led to this situation.

IB West employs a total of 1,600 people in Germany.


Sources

Citation

Eurofound (2026), IB West, Bankruptcy in Germany, factsheet number 204250, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/204250.